Rewriting The Story

Just when punters thought the picture for the Group 1 BMW Derby had been clarified with the running of Saturday’s Group 2 Avondale Guineas, a new contender emerged forty minutes later with a performance that had to be seen to be believed.

Desperately needing victory in the last race on the card at Ellerslie to boost his prizemoney and secure a start in the Derby, What’s The Story (NZ) (Savabeel) grabbed the win in a manner that has thrust him firmly into the wildcard role of the feature three-year-old contest in two weeks’ time.

What’s The Story suffered a severe check that cost him several lengths when the pacemaker Irish went amiss with seven hundred meters left to travel in the rating 65, 2100m contest but rider Sam Spratt didn’t panic and balanced the Savabeel gelding up before setting out after the leaders.

In a driving finish What’s The Story showed plenty of courage as he hauled in fellow Derby aspirant Splendido in the shadows of the post to notch a remarkable victory that keeps his Derby hopes alive.

Co-trainer Stephen McKee cut a relieved figure after the race as he reflected on the performance.

“Obviously it’s very unfortunate for the connections of the horse that went amiss but our bloke lost a lot of ground in that skirmish so it was a massive performance to get up and win after that,” he noted.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in the horse but I’m really just hoping we can get in the Derby now. He’ll get a good bit of prizemoney today and hopefully that’s enough.”

McKee admitted he felt the horse had shown he was a Derby contender throughout his current preparation as long as he could perform on his favoured firm track surface.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in the horse as he’s put his hand up right the way through as a Derby type so we are keen to get there,” he said.

“I don’t believe the 2400m is a concern as he went up 700m today from his last start so I think the Derby trip is the least of our worries provided we can cop a good track.”

What’s The Story is the sixth winner for his dam, the lightly raced Tall Story (Carnegie). He was offered at the Karaka 2014 Premier Sale by Fairdale Stud and purchased by Go Racing for $80,000.

NZ Racing Desk