There was drama before the Penfolds Victoria Derby Preview (1800m) at Flemington on Sunday when Fistsoffury, Apulia, and Blooming Edge were scratched at the barrier.
The race turned into a three-horse war between the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained pair of Gold Bullion and Ambassadorial, and the Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young-trained Sunsets.
In a driving finish, it was Blake Shinn on the Savabeel gelding Gold Bullion completing a good day for the NZ-breds when defeating the Dundeel colt Sunsets by a long-neck with Fiorente gelding Ambassadorial a length back in third after surrendering his lead in the final furlong.
It was the second win in four starts for Gold Bullion, who headed to Flemington off the back of a maiden win over 1500m at Sandown on September 6 after placings at Randwick and Wyong.
“He’s owned by China Horse Club, SF Bloodstock, and Newgate Farm, and Henry said he had a 40th birthday coming up and wants a Derby as a present. I said done,” Gai Waterhouse said.
“So it has started now and will keep going.
“I knew he would be tough, and all he can do is stay. Ambassadorial is honest and it was nice to see Ann Peacock here today; her horse has run super.
‘Both horses are trained here and showed today they can run 1800m and now we will have to stretch them like a piece of chewing gum.”
China Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock/Trilogy Racing shelled $400,000 for Gold Bullion, which Newhaven Park consigned to the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
A three-quarter brother to Group II Group II MataRC Breeders Stakes winner Gold Fever (Savabeel), Gold Bullion is the second winner from as many to race for another Group II MataRC Breeders Stakes (1200m) winner Gold Rush (So You Think).
Gold Rush is a half-sister to Listed ATC Gimcrack Stakes winner Calaverite (Lonhro), dam of the Group 1 MRC Caulfield Guineas hero Golden Mile (Astern).
Gold Rush has a 2-year-old filly by Super Seth and, after foaling an Ocean Park filly last spring, was covered by Wootton Bassett (GB).
