AMMIRATI READY FOR G1 DERBY TEST NEXT

Trainer Marsh's 3YO colt takes out first staying race in Listed Gingernuts Salver

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AUCKLAND While Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh was inspecting yearlings on the Gold Coast, he took time out to watch Ammirati — one of his main NZ$1 million (S$736,000) Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2,400m) contenders — claim the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2,100m) at Ellerslie on Jan 11 as he takes the next step on his path to the blue riband classic on March 7.

The three-year-old son of Savabeel had his first start over the staying trip when ridden by Matthew Cartwright in the field of 13 at the Derby venue, where he scored his third race victory as the favourite off the back of his last two performances.

Ammirati followed up on his victory in the Group 3 Wellington Stakes (1,600m) at Otaki two starts ago on Nov 30 with a late closing burst to take fifth in the Group 2 Levin Classic (1,400m) at Trentham on Jan 3, looking every inch a horse that now needs more ground to show his true worth.

Marsh agreed with that assessment and was quick to explain the unusual step he took when dropping his charge back in distance after the 1,600m victory.

"It probably looks a little odd on paper in the way we backed him up at a lesser distance, but I’m delighted with how it all panned out," he said.