International micro-share syndicator MyRacehorse claimed the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) in March with Willydoit, and now they are hoping they have found their next Derby prospect in compatriot Engine Of War. 

The son of Circus Maximus was purchased out of Andrew Forsman’s Cambridge stable after running third on debut earlier this year, and was subsequently transferred to the Cranbourne barn of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. 

The pair have plenty of time for three-year-old gelding and are setting their sights towards a Derby preparation with their charge. 

“We paid a bit of money for a horse out of New Zealand by Circus Maximus called Engine Of War, who we think is a Derby horse,” Price told Racing.com. 

“We are very happy with the type of physical that we have got in front of us. He is a really lengthy, clean-winded Derby type of horse. That’s the way we are training him, and I think that is the type of horse we have got.” 

While Engine of War has shown plenty of ability at home, Price said he is a highly-strung horse and will head to Sandown on Wednesday to get a feel for the racing environment. 

“He is going to Sandown for a practice day out,” Price said. “He is a bit of a nervous type of horse.” 

Price and Kent Jnr have had a lot of success sourcing horses out of New Zealand, and Price said it is an exercise they intend to continue. 

“We have bought some nice horses from New Zealand, and we will continue to do so,” he said. “We are always recruiting.”