Derby runner creates excitement

Everyone at Ballymore is excited about saddling up a New Zealand Derby candidate on Saturday - promising filly Kidwelly fit and ready to take on the boys in the $750,000 Group One Classic.

One of four fillies contesting the time honoured event, Kidwelly has always shaped as a stayer, Chad Ormsby throughout her preparation noting "more ground is what she wants!"

A solid fourth behind fellow Derby aspirant Fix over 2000m at Te Rapa last time out, Kidwelly has pleased us with her progress since.

"She's improving all the time and she has definitely taken a step up since that last run," Ormsby enthused, pointing out that her run was a good one - "she was only beaten 1½ lengths."

A tricky outside gate (13) is of concern but Ormsby is confident that Michael Coleman can get the bay into a good position during the long initial run in.

"If she gets a good run," he said, "she can be right there in the thick of things at the finish."

Kidwelly impressed with her last serious piece of work this week - with Coleman aboard and partnered by La Vitesse, she was timed from the 1200m in 1:15.3 with the last 1000m in 1:01.7 and the 600m in 35.5.

We wish Kidwelly's owners Dame Sian Elias and her husband Hugh Fletcher the best of Derby luck!

Meanwhile on Friday we will be cheering on Valencia's Image in the second race, an 1100m event, at Omakau.

"Reports from down south have been that she has been working well," Ormsby said.

"She has put a few good runs together and hopefully this time she can go even better and break through for a win."

"She does look a genuine chance," he said.