Promising staying three year old Main Stage put himself into contention for the Victoria Derby with a strong win in the Listed $120,000 UCI Stakes (1800m) at Flemington today.

Main Stage, above, will now head to the Victoria Derby after winning the UCI Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Main Stage, above, will now head to the Victoria Derby after winning the UCI Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Winning jockey Michael Walker had to change tactics after Main Stage ($8.50) was slow to leave the barriers but that didn’t affect the result as the Reliable Man three year old ate up the long Flemington straight to grab the pacemaker Cliff’s Edge ($5.50) within the last twenty metres.

The winner’s stablemate Johhny Vinko ($21) also put in a strong Victoria Derby trial to fill third spot.

Co-trainer Natalie Young said that Main Stage was now on track for the Group 1 $1.5m AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 4 and would have one more run in the lead up in the Group 3 $350,000 Ladbrokes Caulfield Classic (2000m) at Caulfield on October 21.

Main Stage has been very consistent in his career to date and hasn’t missed a place with toady’s win his second from five starts.

“That was a very impressive win today,” Young said.

“Things went completely pear shaped. Michael didn’t panic though. He knows what sought of good horses he was on and he got up today.”

“We will head into the Caulfield Classic on Caulfield Cup on the 21st and then into the Derby.”

Young said the third placegetter Johnny Vinko could join Main Stage again at Flemington on Derby Day.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.