Spellbinder on Target

The Informant writes:

Matt Cameron has dispelled any doubts about his fitness for Derby Day and he is equally confident that Spellbinder will have no trouble managing the 2400 metres at Ellerslie on Saturday.

The leading jockey was kicked in the leg by a two-year-old in the birdcage at Tuesday's Matamata trials, but specialist advice Wednesday morning has given him the go-ahead for Saturday's premier meeting.

“There's no ligament damage or anything like that, just bruising,” Cameron said. “I went to physio and I've got a few exercises to do to keep it moving. It's a bit of a miracle I didn't break anything so it's all go for the Derby.”

The 27-year-old has ridden Spellbinder throughout her seven start career and he has no doubt the Jason Bridgman-trained filly can go close in the Gr. 1 TV3 New Zealand Derby.

“She's been working out of her skin and I don't see any worry about her seeing out the distance,” Cameron said. “She doesn't pull and it's a habit she's got of flicking her head for no reason - that's just her.”

Spellbinder was given a break after she had finished third in the Gr. 1 NZ  Bloodstock 1000 Guineas behind stablemate Costa Viva and resumed with an Ellerslie win before she beat Hera in the Listed Karaka 3YO Mile last month.  The pace of the race didn't help her when the Roger James-trained filly turned the tables on her in the Gr. 2 Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic at Te Rapa.

“When she was second to Hera the other day she got held up and was coming again and she was strong on the line,” Cameron said.

“I've got every faith she will see out the 2400 metres. She's so tough as well and she's a lot better than 95 per cent of the field.”