PRIMARY WIN SETS PHANTOM ON DERBY PATH

New Zealand Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) nominee Phantom Dragon (3 c Highland Reel – Suziesaurus, by So You Think) produced a compelling victory in the Maiden 3YO 1600 metres on Wednesday at Te Rapa.

Breaking through at his third start, Phantom Dragon (green & gold) had won his first trial in August at Te Rapa, fought well for sixth after leading mid-straight on debut in the Maiden 3YO 1400 metres on 7 December at Hastings, and got home for second in the Maiden 1600 metres on 3 January at Matamata.

Co-trainer Pam Gerard elected to apply blinkers and jockey Jake Bayliss gave him an economical trip.

From barrier one, he was let find his feet beyond midfield inner, third last 600m, into clear wide on straightening and engulfed the field with a powerful run.

Owned by Pegasus Bloodstock, R & C Leigh Racing PTY Ltd, B & C Thoroughbreds PTY Ltd, Bruce Wilson, Vermont Ontrack Racing 2, Phantom Dragon will now be considered for a middle distance event, possibly the $120,000 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (Gr. 2, 2000m) on Wednesday 1 February at Te Rapa.

https://www.breednet.com.au/horse/phantom-dragon

“We’ll give him his chance up in distance next start, with a view to preparing for the Derby, and he’s just starting to muscle up now into a racehorse,” said Gerard, who trains the colt in partnership with Mike Moroney.

“Mike has had plenty of experience navigating a Derby path with these young horses.

“He certainly didn’t want to pull up yesterday and Jake (Bayliss) didn’t think they’d be problem with him getting a Derby trip.

“He’s got a pretty low head carriage and leans on the bridle, but a staying type attribute in a way.

“He’s a big horse and we’ll do some work with him this afternoon and give him a couple of quiet days getting over the run. He’s going in the right direction.”

Phantom Dragon was strapped by Rathore Singh.