Deepstrike (NZ) (Tavistock) will be out to make amends for his unplaced run in the Gr.3 Chairman’s Stakes (2040m) last start when he contests the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
The son of Tavistock was a luckless beaten favourite in the Chairman’s and Mick Price, who trains the gelding in partnership of Michael Kent Jr, said there are some positives to be taken out of the run.
“I don’t think not having a hard run will hurt that horse as he’s a lightly framed Tavistock gelding,” Price told Racing.com
“He was very unlucky in the Chairman’s there. Lots of traffic, didn’t get a run, got shuffled back, on heels, so definitely a forget (run).
“His win at Sandown (previous run) was quite strong and I thought he was one of our best chances on the day in the Chairman’s.”
Deepstrike has remained in Adelaide for the Derby with his trainers electing not to make the return float trip to their Melbourne base.
“It’s difficult sometimes as you have to bring them back and run them, so he’s staying there and he’s been to the beach and had a little gallop on Saturday morning,” Price said.
“He has his main gallop tomorrow morning, but they tell me he’s thrived over there and we’re looking forward to him running well.”
Deepstrike was purchased by Price out of Cambridge Stud’s 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $280,000.
