Antrim Coast hits the front late to win the Alister Clark Stakes ahead of Quintessa, pictured right. (Image: Racing Photos)
The Kiwis dominated Saturday’s Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at The Valley and that theme is expected to continue in feature races this autumn.
Dean Williams represented Kiwi trainer Stephen Marsh at The Valley on Saturday where $51 chance Antrim Coast won the G2 over another New Zealander in the filly Quintessa and after the upset result, he gave warning of more Kiwi pain to come.
Williams said Marsh had earmarked the G1 SA Derby (2500m) in May for the son of Roc De Cambes because they were concerned what they might run into in the ATC Derby in Sydney.
“I’d say Adelaide more likely is the best option,” Williams said. “Sydney looks pretty strong and we need to avoid Orchestral and I don’t think the Aussies will know what will hit them when she turns up.”
Antrim Coast finished second in the G1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) some fourth lengths behind Orchestral at his previous start. Orchestral could run in the G1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) next week or be kept for the April 6 G1 ATC Derby (2400m) at Randwick.
Antrim Coast started the $157 outsider in the New Zealand Derby and was at $51 on Saturday as Williams explained he had been the victim of two poor rides in the lead-up races.
“The two rides he copped before going into that were very below par,” he explained.
“I don’t like bagging jockeys, but they were below par. Fitness-wise he’s still on the way and I think there is a lot of improvement to come.
“He’s a tough staying horse and I think he’ll be a good chance in the SA Derby.”
Former Kiwi rider Michael Dee partnered the horse and said he felt the horse struggled a little his first time in Australia.
“I dare say that he didn’t get around Moonee Valley that well, to be honest, because every corner he wanted to lay outwards and didn’t corner that well,” Dee said.
“We got taken on down the side and had to go quite early. To be honest, I thought we got beaten on the line.
“It was a super effort.”