The aus derby countdown!
- In the lead up to the Australian Derby we take a look all the way back to the start of the Willydoit Journey beginning in New Zealand all the way up to his exciting Group 1 NZ derby win and arrival in Australia where he looks to take the nation by storm!
The Beginning of Willydoit
Pedigree
Sire: Tarzino – A multiple Group 1 winner, including the VRC Derby (2500m) and Rosehill Guineas (2000m). Tarzino has already produced Group 1 Derby winner Jungle Magnate and Group 1 Oaks winner Gypsy Goddess.
- Dam: Williamette – By More Than Ready out of Group 1 Brisbane Cup winner Portland Singa, with a strong pedigree that includes multiple winners.
The Acquisition
- Yearling Purchase: Bought for NZD $75,000 at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale by trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy.
- Willydoit caught the eye of the MyRacehorse team after a nice trial in New Zealand. Immediately following the trial, the team were on the phone, trying to find a way to secure this exciting gelding.
The Journey Begins
- Willydoit began with a promising start under the guidance of trainer Shaun Clotworthy. He impressed with two standout trials. His jump out at Ellerslie was also noteworthy, where he was visually impressive despite carrying extra weight.
goal: NZ Derby
- The initial goal for Willydoit was the New Zealand Derby over 2400m. He would initially race locally in New Zealand, targeting a debut in 2024 and continuing his preparation towards the 2025 NZ Derby.
Willydoit gets to the races
The Debut: 1150m 3yo Maiden
This was a great debut over a very unsuitable distance. He finished 3rd and was beaten by 1.2L to Ribkrakka, who then went on to compete in some sprinting stakes races. Willy showed an incredible turn of foot that day and certainly built some excitement for his prospects going forward. We knew that once we got him up in trip, he would be very hard to beat.
Winner At Start #2
Willydoit was able to break his maiden at start 2, defying the considerable leader bias on the day at Ellerslie and coming from worse than midfield and storming over the top. This was also over an unsuitable trip of 1400m. This day was where we knew that Willydoit had above average ability, and we were very excited to see him head to a mile at start 3.
Willydoit Announces Himself Over a Mile
This race is where we truly saw a NZ Derby contender emerge. He won by 2.8L this day, and absolutely dominated the field. Tuxedo finished in 2nd, who then went on to win the Waikato Guineas, so the form out of the race was stacking up. We were clearly a class above on this day!
Another Win: BM75 over 1600m
After Masa unfortunately broke his collarbone, a new jockey was found. Kevin Stott took the ride of Willydoit and showed that this horse has some serious tactical versatility. He sat on the speed this start, when all his previous races indicated that he didn’t have the early speed to sit close. He proved doubters wrong this day.
The Slowest Avondale Guineas - The Critics Arrive!
One of the most talked about lead-up races in history. This edition of The Avondale Guineas was the slowest in its history. Willydoit was settled in a very tricky position and was given no chance to build into his gears, ultimately finishing 10th. A doubt was starting to cast over him in the eyes of racing media, however, we were confident that we had the best horse going into the Derby, despite the finishing position of the key lead up race.
Group 1 Triumph: The target is met
He did it! Willydoit won the Group 1 New Zealand Derby with a leg in the air. He proved all the critics wrong, and announced himself as a world class 3yo stayer. He ended up winning by just over 2 lengths and didn’t have all the favours in the run. He was wide early and had to work hard for the front position, however, his toughness to outstay the key rivals was incredible.
Playlist
The aus derby awaits
- The plot thickens on Saturday, can he follow in the footsteps of star kiwis like Mongolian Khan and Bonecrusher? Only time will tell.
