Derby Mission: The Andy Gath trained Burnaholeinmypocket is being set for the Gr.1 $150,000 Queensland Derby on July 18
Top Victorian three-year-old Burnaholeinmypocket is heading north.
The Andy Gath prepared pacer returned to Melbourne last week after contesting the recent Jewels raceday at Ashburton where he finished a tidy fourth in the Emerald behind the Mark Purdon/Natalie Rasmussen trio of Have Faith In Me, Hug The Wind and Follow The Stars in 1;52.5.
Now, Gath is focused on the Brisbane winter carnival at Albion Park next month.
“I was absolutely thrilled with his performance in New Zealand; he had a shocking draw and made up very good ground in a race that was dominated by horses close to the speed. After touching down in Sydney and then returning by road to my stables, he’s in great order and the Queensland campaign looks perfect timing for him.” Gath said.
Burnaholeinmypocket has a raft of features available to him including the Gr.1 $100,000 Nursery Fly on July 4, the Gr.3 $40,000 Gold Coast Derby on July 11 plus the Gr.1 $150,000 Queensland Derby on July 18.
The Bettors Delight – Kelly Maguire gelding has returned in excellent form this season winning three of his eight starts while racking up three minor placings.
His unplaced efforts to date this season came via a heat of the New South Wales Derby at TABCORP Park, Menangle and his most recent start in New Zealand.
“He’s proven he can compete with the best of his age group and the Queensland campaign fits in nicely before we turn our attention to the Breeders Crown series in August. The increased prizemoney on offer in Brisbane is very appealing and we’re keen to give him his shot.
“We know we’ll run into strong opposition but it’s a Derby and they’re not giveaway races, I was happy to take him to New Zealand so heading to Queensland is not an issue. I know the Purdon/Rasmussen team have Hug The Wind in Brisbane but we won’t run scared.
“Obviously barrier draws will play a very important role but I honestly feel my horse is getting stronger as the season gets longer. At this stage, I will look to give him one lead-up run here in Melbourne before heading up.”
Gath is also keen to bring in-form pacer Mister Mundaka to Queensland for a winter campaign.
The former Kiwi pacer is raced by Brisbane based owner Jeroen Nieuwenburg.
The Bettors Delight – Regret gelding has won seven of his eight starts on Australian soil, his only blemish coming in his debut effort when he galloped away from the stand.
“He’s been a real surprise packet for the stable and he continues to get better, he’s got brilliant gate speed and he’s strong. His win in the Tontine final was great and his victory last week was also very good.
“I’m taking him to Menangle next week and then we’ll look at Brisbane after that, there are a few nice races that fit his schedule.”
An added bonus for Gath, his beloved Sydney Swans play the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on July 12.
