Westbury Stud graduate Solidify is in the mix for a quick back-up into next weekend’s G1 New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie.
It would be an unconventional approach to the Classic following the son of Redwood’s return to winning form over 1600 metres at Otaki on Saturday.
Co-trainer Graham Rogerson, who shares in the ownership group with breeder Gerry Harvey, confirmed that as long as the horse recovered well, he would take his place in the Derby field.
Solidify was second-up at Otaki following an unplaced resuming run in the G1 BCD Group Sprint and he took full advantage of a drop back in class against his own age group.
In a small field, he settled behind the pace on the fence before rider Jonathan Riddell came off the rail before the turn and they were far too strong in the run home.
“The speed was genuine enough and I was able to get off the fence and he did the rest himself, it was an easy win,” he said.
With little to lose, Riddell felt Solidify would be a worthy Derby contender.
“He has the right trainer to do it and anything is possible with Rogie,” he said.
“I’ve only had one go on him, but it seems to me why not have a go.”
Solidify’s Derby odds have tumbled from $81 to $21 and will join stablemate and fellow Westbury homebred Just As Sharp in the Classic.
By Swiss Ace, Just As Sharp is currently a $10 chance in the Blue Riband event and has strong form credentials following his third in the Karaka Millions 3YO and a last-start second in the G2 Avondale Guineas.
Solidify was a Listed winner at Te Rapa last autumn, but then had no luck in two black-type appearances during the Queensland winter carnival and a second placing in the G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas was the highlight of mixed spring.
He was subsequently spelled and gelded ahead of his current preparation.
Solidify was a $140,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale graduate and is out of the multiple winner The Warrior Woman.
The daughter of Redoute’s Choice is a sister to Royal Descent, who was a top-quality performer with a victory in the G1 Australian Oaks to her credit as well as successes in the G2 Warwick Stakes and G3 Adrian Knox Stakes.
The Warrior Woman is in foal to Reliable Man and her son by the Westbury stallion was knocked down to agent Foote for $210,000 at last year’s Ready to Run Sale.