Queensland Derby in Sights of Toydini

“My bloke, he was a class above them.”

Toydini was a comfortable winner in the Carbine Club Stakes. Photo by: Steve Hart.

This quote from jockey Blake Shinn accurately describes Toydini’s performance in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Randwick today.

Clearly benefiting from a gelding operation, the emerging galloper now has the Queensland Derby in his sights after easily disposing of his rivals to claim a second straight win.

Well-regarded gallopers Tatra and Lunar Rise set the early pace and rounding the home turn Shinn was determined not to give them too much of a lead.

Toydini joined the leaders at the top of the straight before cruising to a four-length win as his competitors were hard ridden behind him.

Trainer Guy Walter admitted surprise as to just how dominant the performance was.

“Blake had to make an early move which was a great piece of riding but he had the horse under him to do it,” Walter said.

“He’s really going somewhere…he was very impressive.”

Walter said Toydini’s next start will be in the Group 3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m) at Randwick on April 27 but confirmed June’s Queensland Derby is definitely on his radar.

The son of Bernadini has won two of three starts since being gelded, a stark improvement on one from nine as a colt.

“That was the secret, get his mind on the job,” owner-breeder Robert Bergstrom said.

“He’s the best horse we’ve ever bred.”

Shinn has ridden Toydini in eight of his 12 career starts and is clearly excited about his future prospects.

“Once I got there I knew I had the race sewn up and I only coasted to the line,” Shinn said.

“He’s a very classy horse. It’s great for the stable and it’s great for the owners. Onwards and upwards with him.”

Outsiders Hawkspur ($18) and Bradman ($21) filled the minor placings.

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