Derby hope Harry cuts it fine; Sargent takes over Segenhoe team; Facelift for autumn carnival; Lumosty makes Stradbroke field

Derby hope Harry cuts it fine

After surviving close calls on two counts, Harry will get his Group One chance in Saturday’s $A600,000 Queensland Derby.

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained three-year-old was the second emergency for the classic and as a back-up plan he was also entered in an 1800 metre race at Rosehill on Monday.

“Murray had organised the travel arrangements and the horse was ready to get on the float when we heard there was another scratching,” Forsman said.

Harry won two of his three starts in New Zealand before he was out of luck in the Gr.3 Grand Prix Stakes in his Australian debut.

“You could forgive him for that – he couldn’t get in the race from a wide gate,” Forsman said. “He’s drawn better on Saturday so hopefully he will race handier.”

Sargent takes over Segenhoe team

John Sargent has expanded his Australian training operation at Randwick.

The former Matamata trainer has taken charge of Segenhoe Stud’s stable, which is located next to his own quarters at the Sydney complex.

The Hunter Valley stud’s team was formerly prepared by David Vandyke, who has decided to concentrate on his main yard at Warwick Farm.

Facelift for autumn carnival

Racing Victoria wants to boost the pulling power of their autumn carnival.

An extra $A3 million has been allocated for that purpose following this week’s announcement of prize money increases of $A16.5 million for next season.

RV’s executive general manager of racing Greg Carpenter believes the autumn carnival is where the biggest opportunity for growth is on the Victorian calendar.

“We’ve seen the success of horses going to The Championships in the last two years since it’s been inaugurated and if we can get international participation in our autumn, it’s going to just increase the interest levels both domestically and overseas in our key races.”

Lumosty makes Stradbroke field

Lumosty has gained a start in Saturday’s $A2 million Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap at the expense of Lord Of The Sky.

The pre-post favourite needed a scratching to make the field and secured her place after trainer Robbie Laing was forced to withdraw his sprinter.

Lord Of The Sky had refused to load onto a plane and then boarded a float to Brisbane only to throw a plate and suffer a cut leg early into the road trip.