The well-backed favorite Kovalica was too good on the fast back-up placing to mattress any issues about his staying means with a dominant romp residence within the 2023 Ladbrokes Queensland Derby outcomes.
Kovalica dominated the 2023 Queensland Derby outcomes after his courageous third to Huetor (pictured) in final weekend’s Doomben Cup. Photograph: Steve Hart.
Coach Chris Waller celebrated his third success within the now $1 million Group 1 Ladbrokes Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm and his second in three years along with his Ocean Park gelding Kovalica saluting for the punters.
It was a straightforward look ahead to the secure and favorite backers and jockey James McDonald took benefit of a superb gate entering into a stupendous spot and switching off the odds-on fancy.
McDonald took management of the race peeling out three-wide on the 400m to hit the entrance and lead down the straight.
Nothing was getting shut as soon as the grasp hoop went for residence on the Queensland Guineas winner who dealt with each the seven-day back-up and first take a look at the 2400m with no fear.
After lacking the Tough Behavior Plate Kovalica had his ultimate Derby lead-up in final weekend’s Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) towards the older horses working a courageous third to Huetor.
He was rock-hard match then again towards his personal age within the Queensland Derby and proved each his means to expire a robust mile-and-a-half in addition to his class.
“Clearly he’s had the proper preparation by way of getting the space,” Waller informed Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“As soon as he hit the entrance I assumed ‘he’s match sufficient, he’ll be proper’.
“Faultless trip, clearly barrier attracts make issues a lot simpler.
“James cleverly bought out in a 3 large line. He bought out to make his personal luck.”
On the road Kovalica ($1.70F) had two lengths to spare over the courageous Peter Moody-trained improver Fame ($10) who ran out of his pores and skin for second.
Third went to the John O’Shea-trained Tough Behavior Plate third place-getter Stroke Of Luck ($31) who crossed 4 lengths off the winner at huge odds.
Waller has now ready three Queensland Derby winners with Kovalica becoming a member of Hawkspur (2013) and Kukeracha (2021), who was additionally ridden by McDonald, on the honour roll for the secure.
