NZB Graduates Derby Favourites

Ellerslie hosted two fields of Derby hopefuls when both the Listed Bonecrusher Stakes and the Group 2 Avondale Guineas took place on Sunday. The Guineas had been rescheduled after Avondale's meeting was abandoned last week due to inclement weather.

Despite the last minute date change the Guineas had no trouble in drawing a classy field with Cedar Manor (Oregon x Great Status) dominating the betting. However, at the wire the race belonged to Mandela (Ebony Grosve x Wairongoa Belle). The Richard Otto gelding has shortened on the fixed odd market to be second favourite following the win.

Mandela was sold as a colt at the 2003 New Zealand Bloodstock Festival Yearling Sale by Esker Lodge. Paul Willets purchased the horse for $1,750

Later in the day the Bonecrusher Stakes offered another nice field of three-year-olds. The race favourite was the impressive winner of the Derby Prelude, Cheval De Troy (Zabeel x Better Succeed). Already the favourite with the TAB, the win shortened his odds to $2.50.

Cheval De Troy was also sold at the 2003 National Yearling Sales Series by Cambridge Stud. He was purchased by Stuart Hale out of the premier session for $400,000.