The Tony Gollan trained three year old Amexed is on target for a Queensland Derby start after an impressive win in the Group 3 $125,000 Mittys Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben today.
Amexed on target for Queensland Derby after Rough Habit Plate win. Photo by Daniel Costello
Amexed was stepping up from a maiden win over 1600m at the Sunshine Coast to tackle Group 3 company and showed that he has genuine staying potential.
“He will run the distance out easy enough,” winning jockey Michael Rodd said.
“He switched off beautifully, and he has a good little attitude too.”
“He still has a lot to learn but showed a really good turn of foot.”
Gollan will now aim Amexed towards the Group 3 $150,000 Mullins Lawyers Grand Prix Stakes (2200m) at Doomben on May 24 and the Group 1 $500,000 Channel Seven Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 7.
Gollan’s long term plan had always been to run in the Queensland Derby and the planis coming together nicely.
“He is third up 2000m today with the Derby in mind and he really has put himself into contention now,” Gollan said.
Amexed ($16) went to the line strongly to hold off the late charge of New Zealand three year olds Telepathic ($4.60) and Glorious Lad ($4.40).
The Gai Waterhouse trained Pheidon ($2 favourite) raced on the pace but was under pressure when heads were turned for home and faded in the straight to miss a place.
