 The Michael Moroney trained
Galroof can become just the second filly in nine years to win the Group One The Queensland
Derby when the 2002 edition of the Derby is run tomorrow.Since Royal Magic was successful in 1992 only the classy Danehill filly
Camarena has been able to win the feature three-year-old classic.
Galroof is well credentialled to win tomorrow's race after a
slashing and unlucky second in the Group One Doomben Cup against the older horses.
After being held up for a run for some parts of the home
straight the filly finally got clear in the shadows of the post and charged late only to
be denied by a half length.
A subsequent protest against the winner by Galroof's
connections in the Cup was dismissed and the placings stood.
"We were very unlucky in the Doomben Cup and then I was
disappointed they (the stewards) didn't reverse the placings," Galroof's trainer
Michael Moroney said today.
 Moroney, who's list of Group One winners include Second Coming, Brew and True
Jewels, is hoping Damien Oliver can complete an unusual treble in the Derby tomorrow.
Oliver, who gave up six rides (three of which won) at Moonee
Valley on Wednesday, is gunning for the three eastern seaboard Derbies this season.
Last last year he booted home the Peter Moody trained Amalfi
to win the Victoria Derby in a close finish, while a few months ago he also lifted the
record breaking Don Eduardo to a win in the Australian Derby in Sydney.
Galroof is presently on the second line of betting in the
Derby behind Distinctly Secret, who's trained by another kiwi Mark Walker.
The Queensland Derby has a long and proud history. Since
being first run in 1868 the event has been won by superstars of the track including Rough
Habit, Strawberry Road, Kingston Town, Double Century, Tails, Tulloch and Spear Chief.
PICS - Quentin
Lang. |
