Preferment wins 2014 Aami Victoria Derby Group 1 $1.5 Million at Flemington (VIC) 3yo, 2500m.
Preferment, still a maiden after his previous six starts, staged a very strong staying performance to win. He travelled well about tenth, one off the rails, before tracking up wide with cover rounding the home turn. He commenced a strong run in the centre of the track from the 250m and ran on resolutely to score by a long head, in an impressive staying effort.
Bondeiger settled well in eighth place on the rails from his good barrier (1). He improved between runners at the turn, got a split at the 300m to challenge shortly afterwards and fought gamely for a very good (long head) second.
Nozomi settled well in fifth place on the rails, got through to challenge shortly after turning for home and then battled on well for a sound third.
Light Up Manhattan came from last in the 16-horse field at the 800m, after getting between runners at the 300m, for a good (1.7 lengths) fourth.
Magicool was midfield and wide from a difficult barrier (15), looked a winning chance when he challenged at the 300m before fighting on for (3.7 lengths) fifth.
The favourite Hampton Court was outside the leader, went to the front at the home turn but then tired for (6.7lengths) eighth while second favourite Moonovermanhattan was always well back before finishing a disappointing (14 lengths) 12th.
