Former hot pup Derenger is aiming for a happy return while exciting newcomer Zipping Piper makes her debut at Bathurst today.
Derenger (pictured, red rug) has her first outing in more than a year when she jumps from box two in the Murphy’s Pre Ed and Rearing Stakes (race four, 307m).
The daughter of Spring Gun and LITTLE BLUE Gem had scored eight wins and six minor placings – including a 29.82 victory at Dapto and a hat-trick of triumphs at Bulli – before being sidelined by a succession of injuries.
She underlined her return to fitness, however, with a solid 17.75 performance win at Bathurst last month and owner-trainer Richard Board is confident of a win here.
“She’s looking great,” he said. “I’ve been free galloping her and she’s been going nicely.
“She had the good trial here last month and if she repeats that time here then she will likely win.
“I definitely think she’s worth backing.”
Derenger’s record also includes victories over the 400m at Maitland and Richmond and two previous placings here.
She has scored one win and two minor placings from box two and was from a litter also including Kevlarr, who ran a track record 22.18 in a performance trial at Bulli and scored five wins in three minor placings his brief career.
“She’s from a good litter, so she’s always had the potential to do well,” Board said.
“If she goes well here then we might try and step her up in distance, but for now I want to see how she goes.”
Elsewhere, Zipping Piper looks a good chance to score a debut win in race two (450m).
The Trevor Jones-trained daughter of dual Group 1 winner Mantra Lad and Zipping Catra ran a sound 25.98 in a performance trial here last week.
Elsewhere, in-form pair Down Deep and Dicaprio">Dicaprio both look strong chances to score wins in races seven and 10 respectively.
Down Deep (box three) has triumphed on two of his last three visits here and has been racing consistently recently for Mark Wicks.
He won well here last week in 30.36 and a repeat performance here should ensure another triumph.
Dicaprio (box four) makes his Bathurst debut aiming to score his fourth consecutive victory.
The short course star has extended his record to 11 wins and three minor placings from 21 starts with some terrific performances at Dapto and his home Goulburn track.
He has only won one of his four previous starts from this box but should have enough pace to win here.
For Bathurst Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
