Cambridge trainer Lauren Brennan has confirmed that her promising three-year-old Sword In Stone is New Zealand Derby bound after a fighting performance for third in Saturday’s Gr.2 Warren Storm Lifebrokers Waikato Guineas (2000m).

 

Having just his third raceday start, Sword In Stone was forced to take up an unfamiliar role outside the pacemaker in the Guineas before being edged out by Sponge Bob and Arrogant in a desperate three-way finish.

 

“We really wanted to do the chasing on Saturday, but he was a victim of circumstances really,” Brennan said.

 

“He jumped so well that he ended up being caught three-wide so Michael (Rodd) had to push forward on him and ended up stuck outside the pace.

 

“He fought on very bravely and has pulled up very well from the run.

 

“We will push on to the Derby now with Michael indicating he wants to come back and ride him which is a really good endorsement.”

 

Sword In Stone is currently rated a $10 chance behind favourite Cutadeel ($6) in the TAB Fixed Odds market for the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) that will be run at Ellerslie on March 2.