Derby Goal for Caped Crusader

Source Breednet – Tara Madgwick

At this time of year every second three year-old winner harbours Carnival aspirations, but in the case of O’Reilly gelding Caped Crusader, his Derby dream might be well founded.

Prepared by Gai Waterhouse, Caped Crusader relished the step up to 1800 metres at his second run back from a spell, leading throughout and forging clear to win by two lengths under 59 kg.

“He’s a very exciting three-year-old,” Waterhouse said. “He’ll go to the Tulloch (Group II on March 28) then onto the Derby.

“I stepped him up sharply in distance today as I wanted to get him here onto the big Randwick track after he was beaten first-up at Canterbury.

“He’s a horse that needs to get into his rhythm and Adam rode him perfectly.”

Caped Crusader has won two of three starts earning $47,000, but may find himself a big payday in the near future.

A $340,000 NZB Ready to Run purchase from the Diamond Lodge draft for Round Table Racing/James Harron Bloodstock, Caped Crusader was the second most expensive horse sold at that sale.

Caped Crusader is a half-brother to Group II BRC Brisbane Cup winner Floria from the stakes-placed Centaine mare Aria and is by a proven source of Derby winners in O’Reilly who has left AJC Australian Derby winner Shamrocker, New Zealand Derby winner Silent Achiever and West Australian Derby winner Guyno.