All roads lead to the G1 New Zealand Derby for Tarzino’s impressive son Willydoit, whose odds for the autumn Classic were slashed in the wake of his latest victory over 1600 metres.
Trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy produced the Gerry Harvey-bred gelding for his second win on the bounce at Ellerslie when he demolished a competitive age group line-up on New Year’s Day.
Willydoit was a $10 equal favourite for the Derby, but is now as short as $3 for the March 8 feature.
“He’s a pretty relaxed individual and looks a natural Derby type of horse,” Shaun Clotworthy said.
“We’ve always thought he was a very good horse and he’s ticked that box again.”
Clotworthy will now take a few days before Willydoit’s program is locked in through to the 2400 metre Classic.
“We’ll see how he pulls up and then sit down and have a look, probably taking in a couple of the Guineas races along the way.”
Willydoit drifted back to last from the outside barrier on Wednesday before picking up ground across the top and when a gap presented itself in the run home, he charged through.
The favourite bounded to the front 250 metres from home and romped clear to score by a widening 2.8l and take his record to a brace of wins and a placing from three appearances.
“He’s very special and when he stretches out he does it easily,” regular rider Masa Hashizume said.
Willydoit was purchased out of Westbury Stud’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $75,000.
He was initially owned by the Clotworthys with Bryan Black and following a trial victory in the spring, American-based syndicator My Racehorse purchased a 50 percent interest in a deal brokered by Sydney-based bloodstock agent Andrew Williams.
Willydoit is a son of the More Than Ready mare Williamette, who is out of the G1 Brisbane Cup winner Portland Singa.