Trainer hoping to nut out way to beat hot Derby favourite
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday February 5, 2010
THE Christopher Nutt-trained St Pierre has found its best form at the right time before Friday night's Newcastle Herald-sponsored group 1 National Derby at The Gardens.The St Leger winner is Nutt's first group 1 finalist as a trainer. Seeded into the semi-finals as winner of the St Leger, St Pierre blazed into the $50,000-to-the-winner final with a slick 29.73 seconds run."It was probably the best run he has ever put in," Nutt said. "I was surprised by the time; he has never been a dog to be able to carve out times."He's a good beginner, he rails well and he's getting a little stronger. Full credit to him, he stuck to his guns."The occasion will be extra special for Nutt as he is also the breeder of St Pierre."I've owned a few dogs that have been in group 1 finals, but this is my first time as a trainer," he said. "I'm very proud of the dog. It's been enjoyable seeing him come through from a little pup."The favourite for the Derby final will be Reg Kay's Elite Blue Size.The Gosford Gold Cup winner was just 0.17s adrift of Knocka Norris's 515-metre track record in his start-to-finish 29.42 semi-final win and will be joined by highly promising kennelmate Outa Credit.Added to the imposing task for his opposition, Elite Blue Size has come up with the rails alley and boasts three wins from as many starts with the red rug.St Pierre's assignment will be a tricky one from the four trap."If Elite Blue Size comes out as quickly as he did last week, he'll lead us by two lengths to the first turn," Nutt said."I was hoping Elite Blue Size would be drawn outside of me. I've always said if he draws one, two, three, four or five I'm happy. But with Reg's dog drawing one I'm not as happy."Classy Victorian Silent Guardian, out of Darren McDonald's kennel, may pose the biggest threat to Elite Blue Size after familiarising himself with The Gardens throughout the three-week series.May dreams of big winThe group 1 spotlight will not just be confined to the Derby at The Gardens on Friday night.The box draw has thrown up a number of permutations for the National Futurity decider, and semi-final winners Daydream (box two) and Pink Surprise (box three) will jump alongside each other.In what is shaping as an open affair, Brett May will fancy his chances with Daydream, the fastest qualifier in an impressive 29.71, and the lightly raced Bit Stressed.Take The Kitty invitedBetfair Greyhound of the Year finalist Take The Kitty will have a chance to redeem himself south of the border after securing a spot in the invitation-only group 1 Temlee at The Meadows on Saturday week.The state's most consistent sprinter was buffeted in the early going of the Melbourne Cup final at Sandown, but he has been handed the inside draw against the nation's top talent including the consistent Cindeen Shelby, High Earner and Dyna Lachlan.
© 2010 Sydney Morning Herald
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