One to Watch – Ballarat

Tara Madgwick - Friday Oct 12

The 2200 metre maiden at Ballarat on Friday had six runners entered for either the Victoria Derby or Oaks and the winner is certainly bred to be a serious Derby contender.

Sent out a short priced favourite, the Danny O’Brien trained Reliable Man (Fr) colt Grinzinger Star produced a good tough staying effort to win by a short neck over High Chaparral (IRE) filly Zapurler, who showed her Oaks credentials with a strong finish to just miss.

It was the first win in four starts for Grinzinger Star, who has placed third at his two most recent runs indicating he’s on an upward spiral

Not offered at auction, Grinzinger Star is the first winner for Group I New Zealand Oaks winner Artistic, a half-sister by Darci Brahma to Group I winner Excellerator.

Reliable Man had the second place-getter in the Victoria Derby last year in Sully, so it will be no surprise to see Grinzinger Star at Flemington on Derby Day.

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