In a fleet footed Gr 2 display, the Matamata-based galloper, Down The Road (NZ) (Danroad) has served warrant to some ambitious Derby plans.

 

Tucked three back along the aluminium in Saturday’s Telecom Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie, Down The Road (NZ) conserved his energy throughout, and with plenty still in the tank, burst into Derby calculations in the events final 200m.

 

Comfortably sidling up to the pacemaker The Meista (NZ) (Montjeu), Down the Road (NZ) simply kept finding for rider Michael Coleman, who would pilot the Danroad 3YO to a length victory over the Derby bound frontrunner, with a further short neck margin back to the Australian visitor Coniston Bluebird in third.

 

Having now successfully shown his wares in its traditionally lead in feature, Down The Road (NZ) has shortened considerably for the $2.2 million Telecom New Zealand Derby on February 28, but this is not the only Derby pencilled in on his dance card.

 

Recently purchased by Paul Beamish on behalf of Hong Kong man Wong Siu Ming Derek, Down The Road’s (NZ) additional Derby starts could ideally include the HK.1 Derby at four, whilst consideration is also being given to earlier starts in the AJC Australian and Queensland Derby.

 

Trained by Ken Kelso and Thomas Russell, Down The Road (NZ) has to date won three of his eight career starts, and was well distinguished when second to Derby hot pot Le Baron (NZ) (Golan) in the Gr.2 Great Northern Guineas.

 

Bred by M S McClennan, Down The Road (NZ) is out of the Stark South mare Dixie’s Girl (NZ), a winner herself at 2200m.

 

Down The Road’s win represented the 12^th winner and second black-type ambassador for the young Danehill sire Danroad (pictured).

 

Standing at Highview Stud in Hamilton, Danroad hasbeen best represented by the Gr.1 TJ Smith Classic winner, Rockdale (NZ).