Mackintosh (NZ) on Track for Queensland Derby

The formerly kiwi-trained Mackintosh (NZ) (Pins) followed a well-travelled course towards the Group 1 Queensland Derby with his victory in the A$150,000 Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes (2200m) at Doomben on Saturday.

Trainer Chris Waller has drawn similarities between Mackintosh and his 2013 Queensland Derby hero Hawkspur (Purrealist).

Mackintosh, a tight $2.10 favourite ahead of Saturday’s race, held on grimly to claim what is the Derby’s main lead-up event in much the same manner as stablemate Hawkspur did three years ago, which preceded victory in the Group One Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm a fortnight later.

The three-year-old gelding survived a late charge from the Bryan Guy-trained Eagle Way (More Than Ready) to prevail by a short neck while Darren Weir’s South Australian Derby winner Howard Be Thy Name (Redoute’s Choice) also closed strongly, finishing a further half-head away in third.

“Hawkspur is a similar horse; he was winning the same races as a three-year-old from on the speed,” Waller said.

“We tried to take a sit on him again today from barrier three but nothing really wanted to lead so he’s happy rolling along in front and I suppose it will be the same in the Derby.

“I thought his last fifty metres was strong but it’s hard to sort of weigh up how that will line up with 2400 metres at Eagle Farm in two weeks’ time.”

Since joining the Waller camp in February, Mackintosh has won three of four starts, including the Group Three Rough Habit Plate over 2000 metres at Doomben a fortnight ago.

Mackintosh is out of the Generous mare Lolly Scramble (NZ), a half-sister to stakes winners Viennetta (NZ) (Pins) and Butterscotch (NZ) (Gold Brose). He has now won five of his seven starts and more than A$251,000 in prize-money.

The gelding was purchased at Karaka for $11,000 as a weanling by Byerley Park trainer James Bridge, who prepared him to win two of his first four starts. – NZ Racing Desk