Tarzino's Derby favourite dominates at Ellerslie

Media Release - Sunday February 2

Willydoit tightened his grip on Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) favouritism with a dominant victory against older opposition in Saturday’s TAB (1600m) at Ellerslie.

The $55,000 race was the third consecutive Ellerslie win for the Tarzino gelding, who cleared maiden ranks at the Auckland track on December 12 and then emphatically beat subsequent Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) runner-up Tuxedo on New Year’s Day.

Willydoit winning the TAB (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.   Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)

But Saturday’s performance in Rating 75 company was Willydoit’s most impressive yet. He was sent out as a $1.40 favourite and barely provided a moment’s doubt.

Willydoit departed from his previous come-from-behind style, instead taking up a position among the top three or four and settling into a smooth rhythm along the rail.

A gap opened right in front of him when the front-runner Giacomo rolled away from the fence at the home turn, and Willydoit needed no second invitation. He produced a smart turn of foot and burst clear, romping home by two and a half lengths despite being eased down in the final 50m by rider Kevin Stott.

Advertisement

Bought for $75,000 by trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy from Karaka 2023, Willydoit has now had four starts for three wins, a placing and $93,665 in stakes. Emma Clotworthy shares ownership along with Bryan Black and the international syndicator MyRacehorse.

“That was a ‘wow’ performance,” Emma Clotworthy said. “We were a bit nervous about stepping up against the older horses today, but it was pretty nice to see him running away from them like that down the straight.”

The TAB reacted to Saturday’s performance by cutting Willydoit from $2.80 into $2 for the New Zealand Derby, which will be run for a stake of $1.25 million at Ellerslie on March 8.

The only other runner in single figures in that market is Hinekaha, who was trimmed from $8 into $5 after winning Saturday’s Listed Grangewilliam Stud Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth.

Stott had his first ride on Willydoit on Saturday, keeping the saddle warm for the injured Masa Hashizume.

“I don’t know how good they have to be to win a Derby in New Zealand, but this horse gave me a serious feel today,” Stott said. “It was only a mile today and against older horses, but all I had to do was steer him around.

“He’s a big horse who can get a bit unbalanced around here, but as soon as he gets his balance back, he’s away and gone.

“He’s very uncomplicated. We thought we’d try to get him out of the stalls a bit better today and see if he can settle in a handier position. He settled beautifully and made my job easy.

“I think a mile and a half (2400m) will suit him a lot better. He has a massive stride.”

Shaun Clotworthy admits to some mixed feelings about Willydoit not being eligible for last Saturday’s Karaka Millions 3YO.

“It’s unfortunate that he wasn’t nominated for the Karaka Millions, especially after seeing Tuxedo go on to run second to Damask Rose in that race,” he said. “The prize-money would have been nice.

“But maybe it’s a blessing in disguise. It might have been a tough night and taken a bit out of him. This could work out to be a better step towards our main target.”

Victory in the Derby in March would carry additional significance for Clotworthy, whose father Kim won the classic in 1977 with Uncle Remus.

“Winning the Derby would certainly mean a lot to me, and to my father as well,” he said. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk.

Advertisment
More Reading...
2025 National Online Yearling Sale Entries Open
Entries for NZB’s 2025 National Online Yearling Sale are now open, with the Sale set to be held on Gavelhouse Plus.
One to Watch – Wyong
When you see Darby Racing, Bjorn Baker and a blue hen, how can that mix not produce a winner?
One to Watch – Ipswich
Zousain had a very solid Inglis Classic Yearling Sale with his progeny selling for up to $280,000 off a $22,000 fee and the affordable Widden Stud based son of Zoustar gave us a One to Watch on Wednesday.
Juvenile Trial Watch - Randwick
Five heats for juveniles at Randwick on Thursday morning with the Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner O’Ole given a tick over trial in preparation for a tilt at the Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes and we also had a look at the most expensive colt by Dundeel ever sold.
Willydoit Chasing Classic Success for My Racehorse
Shaun and Emma Clotworthy are enjoying the best of both worlds with their highly regarded three-year-old Willydoit.
Yearling Attention Heads West
The yearling sale caravan moves on to Perth next week after this week’s Classic Sale in Sydney and the Breednet data has tossed up a few highlights.
Sires With Winners - Thursday February 13
Here is the full list of 40 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Long Awaited Return for Legarto
Multiple Group One winner Legarto will make her long-awaited return to racing when she heads to her home track at Matamata on Saturday to contest the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m).
Sires With Winners - Wednesday February 12
Here is the full list of 37 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Extreme Choice Weanling Filly Tops Arqana February Mixed Sale
The first sale of the year for French auction house Arqana, the February Mixed Sale on Wednesday was topped by an interesting weanling filly by Newgate Farm’s outstanding sire Extreme Choice, who covers a mare a day all year round in Australia in a bid to combat his well documented fertility issues.