Puccini (NZ) Claims Group 1 NZ Derby

Dominant three-year-old Puccini (NZ) (Encosta de Lago) produced another commanding performance with success in the Group 1 $750,000 TV3 New Zealand Derby (2400m) on Saturday at Ellerslie.

Puccini (NZ) successful in the Group 1 TV3 New Zealand Derby.

The son of Encosta de Lago was the race-favourite following wins in the Group 2 Great Northern Guineas, Group 2 Waikato Guineas and Group 2 Avondale Guineas this season for father and son training duo of Peter and Jacob McKay.

Puccini was expected to lead or be near the pace on Saturday as has been the approach in his races lately, however he was eased to near the tail of the field after beginning slowly for regular rider Michael Walker. The pace was slackened down the back straight and Walker elected to make a move, working around to sit outside the leader heading into the final corner.

The tough Puccini kicked clear of the field at the top of the straight and there was no catching the flying Matamata galloper as he ran through the post to win by two-lengths. Second favourite Rising Romance (NZ) (Ekraar) ran on strongly from back in the field to finish second with Glorious Lad (NZ) (Falkirk) holding third.

“It was always a concern, you think you have got the best horse but you also have got to get the run,” said Peter McKay. “He drew three and he can be a bit tardy out of the gates so it was always a worry that if he got crossed quickly we would need a different game plan.

“We thought that he wasn’t always going to be able to jump and lead, there could be something take him on or something go wrong at the start and we would have to go to plan B or plan C, Michael was on board and he was able to work that out for himself.

“It was a good run by the second horse but I am still sure that there are a couple more lengths left in him when they come up to him, he kicks on the corner and still waits for them.

“It would be nice to be able to get a Group 1 beside his name in Australia and I am sure he will be able to do it.

“He holds a nomination for the Derby and as long as everything goes well in the next week or so we will head across for the Rosehill Guineas then the Derby. He has got a month to get over this and while he is coping with the racing and enjoying it we might as well go ahead with him.”

Saturday’s Group 1 victory was the fifth career win from 14 starts, with the colt winning four of his last five races. He has earned $676,925 in prizemoney for his owners Monovale Holdings Ltd.

The Group 1 victory was the first in the young training career of Jacob McKay who only joined his father in partnership this season.

Puccini is a half-brother to six-time Group 1 winner Sir Slick (NZ) (Volksraad) being out of the Listed winner Miss Opera (Paris Opera) and was offered at the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale. He is also a half-brother to the stakes performer Shortblackmini (Black Minnaloushe), the dam of Saturday’s Group 3 Darley Plate winner Little Wonder (Volksraad).