New Zealand
Data surprise on Derby winner’s best trip
Scientific tests have revealed surprising results on the distance aptitude of this season’s star New Zealand staying three-year-old Willydoit.
The son of Tarzino produced his peak performance to romp home in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and was transferred to leading trainer Ciaron Maher following a gallant fourth in the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m).
Willydoit was raced by Byerley Park trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy with Bryan Black and international micro share syndicator MyRacehorse, who all remain in the ownership of the gelding.
"I spoke to Ciaron over at the Gold Coast Sale and they'd done a DNA test on him to work out what his ultimate distance might be," Shaun Clotworthy said.
"It came back as showing he was a 1400m to a mile horse, which was interesting.
"He thought they may give him a lighter spring, he's about three or four weeks away from a jump-out after spelling in Queensland in the warmer weather.
"He might kick off around Sydney this preparation and then target some bigger races in the autumn."
Willydoit was bought out of Westbury Stud's Book 1 draft at New Zealand Bloodstock's National Yearling Sale for $75,000 and his career earnings have surpassed $910,000.
Meanwhile, the Westbury-bred and raced Hula Beat will make his first appearance from the Clotworthy stable in Saturday's Northbeam Strong Stuff Handicap (2100m) at Ruakaka on Saturday.
Previously trained by Stephen Marsh, the son of Redwood hasn't won since he was successful in the Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m) a year ago and it's hoped a change of environment may turn his recent form around.
"Russell (Warwick, Westbury General Manager) thought that maybe a bit of work at the beach and jumping would be something different for him," Clotworthy said.
"We're doing that, and he wasn't that keen on schooling at first, but he's taken to it now.
"We've been paddock training him as well, so we'll see how he goes on Saturday.
"It's an ideal race for him and he seems to go a bit better left-handed, his form right-handed isn't quite so good.
"In saying that, he will be competitive at his best and if he does go well enough then he'll go to the Taumarunui Cup to defend his title."
Stablemate Suavetta may find the distance of the Tanalised Mile (1600m) on the short side but has three placings from her last four starts to her credit.
"She's probably looking for 2100m, but there's not much else around. Her and Hula Beat are probably our best two," Clotworthy said.
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