The Stephen Marsh-trained Vernanme is taking some solid form into the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday and his trainer thinks the three-year-old will be hard to beat in the $1 million Classic.

 

The son of O’Reilly dead-heated for second-place in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) with Hypnos at Trentham in January before running on to place in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) at Ellerslie last-start.

 

There was a slight concern with the colt after he pulled a front plate on his way to Ellerslie for the Avondale Guineas, which resulted in a nail going into his sole, but Marsh said he has pulled through that run well.

 

“He has done super,” Marsh said. “He just hasn’t missed a beat at all. He was probably a little tender for a day or two once the bruising came out, but he was good in the race. 

 

“I think he has improved again and 2400m is ideal. He has drawn barrier 11 and will probably come into 10, it’s not as bad as a couple of the others, but not as good as we would have liked.

 

“It’s Jason’s (Waddell, jockey) job now. We have got the horse in great order and he’s a real chance.”

 

 

 

Former New Zealand galloper Verry Elleegant has been withdrawn from the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday after she was found to have an elevated temperature on Friday morning.

 

The three-year-old Zed filly recently transferred to the stable of Chris Waller who has elected to take a cautious approach with his filly. 

 

“Unfortunately, Verry Elleegant has been withdrawn from the Australian Guineas due to a mildly elevated temperature which was recorded early this (Friday) morning during routine checks,” Waller said.

 

“Whilst it is only very minor, we can’t take any risks and therefore the decision was made to immediately scratch her and treat her accordingly. This was done to ensure she recovers and can continue on with a racing preparation.

 

“We are hoping she will recover from this quickly and hope to have her back racing in two weeks’ time.”

 

Verry Elleegant initially raced in New Zealand where she won two of her three races for owner-trainer Nick Bishara before transferring to Darren Weir’s Victorian barn where she won the Gr.3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m).

 

She was subsequently transferred to Waller’s barn last month and produced an immediate result for her new trainer, finishing runner-up in the Gr.3 The Vanity (1400m) at Flemington.