8 Win Saturday - Dynastic Derby Bound

Rounding out a sixth win on the day for trainer Mark Walker, Dynastic (3 g Almanzor - Meir, by Volksraad) kept his Derby hopes alive after winning the $30,000 Gavelhouse Rating 75 2000 metres on Saturday at Matamata.

Also winning the two feature races: $120,000 J Swap Matamata Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) with Zourian (Zoustar), and $85,000 Fairview Matamata Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m) with $1m Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winner Tokyo Tycoon (Satono Aladdin), a race also won by Dynastic, Walker added Skew Wiff (Savabeel) earlier on the programme, while Brando (Savabeel) and Wairau Cove (Darci Brahma) both won at Otaki.

Although away from age group racing for the event, Dynastic had run the fastest last 600m (34.0) from last in the $1m Karaka Million 3YO Classic (Restricted Listed, 1600m) on 21 January at Pukekohe, and produced a notable effort for fifth on footing that downgraded to Heavy8 in the Waikato Guineas (Gr. 2, 2000m) on 3 February at Te Rapa. 

He was given a lovely ride by Opie Bosson, securing a spot three back inner, tracked up off the rail, and finished strongly once sighting daylight on straightening for the run home. 

“He travelled beautifully, breathed well, and ran it out perfectly,” said Bosson, on dismounting.

It was a good effort on Heavy9 footing, running 2000 metres in 2:04.8, last 600m in 36.8, and paid $4.10 & $1.60 on the NZ TAB tote. 

“It's always hard for three-year-olds to compete in Rating 75 grade, so to win the race cannot be underestimated,” Walker said. 

“It should act as a good confidence builder heading into the Derby. He's working like a real staying horse now and we'll give a big feed and get him ready for next week.”

Dynastic stripped in race hardened condition, continues to thrive and hold condition during his campaign and now appears likely to contest the $1,000,000 Auckland Thoroughbred Racing New Zealand Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) next Saturday (4 March) at Te Rapa. 

Purchased by David Ellis CNZM at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park Stud, owned by Te Akau 2021 Stallion Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Dynastic became the sixth consecutive Karaka Million winner for the stable in 2022, and always competed against the best of age. 

He also registered a win in the El Roca - Sir Colin Meads Trophy (Listed, 1200m) earlier this season, finished second in the Sistema Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m), and third in both the Sarten Memorial (Gr. 2, 1400m) and Auckland Guineas (Gr. 2, 1600m). 

Dynastic was strapped by Kohen Collett.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz