Derby Prospects On Show In Vase

Time/Date - 16.10hrs local time /Saturday, October 24, 2015
Racecourse/Country - Moonee Valley/Australia
Surface/Distance - Turf/2040m

Tally and Shards will both be pushing for a start in the G1 Victoria Derby after they put their staying potential to the test in the G2 Dilmah Vase at Moonee Valley on Saturday, October 24.

Tally (John O'Shea/James Doyle) has long been regarded as one of the most promising young stayers in Godolphin's Australian team.

And the son of Street Cry lived up to every opinion when he broke through in stunning fashion in maiden company over 1850m at Kyneton at his latest appearance, scoring by seven lengths.

"I know his win was in moderate grade, but he was quite dominant," said trainer John O'Shea.

"We'd been waiting to get him over a bit of ground and he showed what he can do when he got the opportunity."

On Saturday he intends to give Tally every chance to use the superior staying ability he believes the colt possesses.

"We'll ride him quietly from the gate and get on the back of one of the better ones and see if he can't get over the top of them," he said.

Saturday's race is a traditional lead up to the G1 Derby which is run over 2500m at Flemington a week later, with Godolphin likely to have up to four entrants.

The stable is likely to pay a late entry fee to allow Shards (John O'Shea/James McDonald) to join Tally in the Derby, a move that reflects the respect O'Shea has for the colt.

Shards (pictured above) comes into the Moonee Valley race after a Guineas run the trainer says is best forgotten.

"He got knocked around from start to finish and never had the chance to get into the race," he said.

"He's a Group winner and if he gets a better run he can be right in it."