The tally of Cambridge Stud's links to New Zealand Derby wins sits at four, but none of those would have the significance of success in the 2015 edition.
Sir Patrick Hogan and his wife Justine, Lady Hogan bred four of the 17 runners in Saturday's Gr.1 TV3 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie, while another two are by Cambridge Stud stallions.
Should either of the Zabeel three-year-olds triumph, the super sire's tally of Group One wins would match that of his own illustrious sire Sir Tristram, while at the other end of the scale, success from one of the Tavistock quartet would give the Montjeu sire his first Group One success.
"Either way it would be great, but I'd think a Tavistock win would be the best result for me," Sir Patrick said."I'm happy to be patient and wait for Zabeel to equal the record. It wouldn't be the right time to do it if one of Tavistocks can give their sire his first Group One.”
Sir Patrick had high hopes for Volkstok'n'barrell, but also fancied Cambridge Stud products Margin Trader and Midnitemagicman."I've always rated Volkstok'n'barrell, but I've also had a soft spot for those two," he said.
"Margin Trader is out a Zabeel mare and he's progressing nicely. I've really been taken by Midnitemagicman too. Every time he's raced, he's toughed it out to the end and hasn't given in - and at a Derby distance that's important. He's a big threat."Sir Patrick's previous biggest New Zealand Derby moment came in 2002 when St Reims, whom he bred with Justine and raced as part of a syndicate, triumphed for jockey Greg Childs.
Zabeel's previous Derby winners were St Reims, Zonda and Hades, while the filly Popsy credited Sir Tristram with his sole New Zealand Derby victory.Derby breeding success on Saturday for Sir Patrick and Justine would credit the couple with their second such win this season, as they were co-breeders of Zabeel colt Preferment, who won the Gr.1 Victoria Derby at Flemington last November.
