Colt presses Derby claims

Cha Siu Bao’s performance in the Gr.2 Great Northern Guineas has boosted confidence in his ability to rise to a greater challenge in the autumn.

The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained three-year-old got home late to finish fourth at Ellerslie in the New Year’s Day feature, during which he also lost a plate.

“He ran home the fastest last 600 metres of the race after he was slow to begin,” Scott said.

“It was a really encouraging run so it all looks good for him going forward.”

Fourth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas at his previous appearance, Cha Siu Bao’s target race is the $1 million Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie on March 4.

“We’ll probably run him in the Waikato Guineas and then, all going well, a traditional path into the Derby,” Scott said.

Victory would complete a memorable double for his Hong Kong-based owners Hermitage Thoroughbreds. They also raced Cha Siu Bao’s former stablemate Willie Cazals, who won the Gr.1 Livamol Classic last spring before a suspensory ligament injury forced his retirement.

Meanwhile, O’Sullivan and Scott also have high hopes for Miss Foxy Gal, who will debut in the Cambridge Stud Stallions 2YO at Ruakaka on Friday.

The Foxwedge filly, to be ridden by Craig Grylls, was put aside after a trial in the spring and more recently she won her 800 metre heat at Avondale.

“That trial was very good, she jumped out and showed good speed,” Scott said. “She’s an improving filly and we’re confident that she’s going to run very well.”