Platinum Invador makes the derby field and elated Latta says he’s the best chance

Platinum Invador has made the field for Saturday’s $1 million New Zealand Derby with the defection this morning of the Chris Gibbs and Michelle Bradley-trained Super Gee.

And delighted trainer Lisa Latta believes the horse is going so well he’ll be an even better winning chance than Lincoln Farms’ other runner Lincoln Falls.

Platinum Invador looked set to miss the derby when prizemoney from his win at Otaki last Saturday elevated him to only 19th in the rankings, $525 behind final qualifier Arrogant.

But he is now guaranteed a start and Latta says with the staying ability he has shown in recent starts he will be one of the few derby runners who will stick the 2400 metres.

“The trip will be right up his alley,’’ says Latta who will also have a third runner in Sir Nate.

“It’s a big ask racing three weeks on end and making two trips up to Auckland but the boys (Lincoln Farms’ John Street and Ian Middleton) realise that and aren’t afraid to have a crack.’’

It’s not often, after all, that you get the chance to race for $1 million, she says.

“And he seems to have come through Saturday’s race well, he’s eaten up and looks bright. The vet’s been this morning to give him vitamin injections too which will help him recover even better.’’

Platinum Invador is one of only four horses in the derby who have won at 2000 metres or further, the others being Surely Sacred, Sponge Bob and Cutadeel.

Bookies reacted quickly to news of Platinum Invador’s entry into the field, elevating him to fifth favourite at $14 behind Surely Sacred ($3), Vernanme ($5.50), In A Twinkling ($10) and likely second emergency Sword In Stone ($10).

Lincoln Falls is a $26 chance.