Platinum Invador starts his big expedition to Sydney with float trip north

Part owner Neville McAlister believes Platinum Invador will be in fine order for Saturday’s A$200,000 Tulloch Stakes at Rosehill.

The New Zealand Derby placegetter took the first step on his Australian Derby mission today when floated from Palmerston North to Auckland, after a good week at trainer Lisa Latta’s stable.

“He’s freshened up nicely with a week in the paddock then a week on the water treadmill and he had a good gallop on Saturday,’’ says McAlister.

“The horse is happy and he’s working well so now we just need a good barrier draw on Wednesday morning.’’

Platinum Invador will overnight with Byerley Park trainer Karen Zimmerman in south Auckland, work on Tuesday morning, and be on the night flight to Australia.

Bruce Herd, pictured educating one of Lincoln Farms’ young gallopers, will be in Sydney to meet Platinum Invador. PHOTO: Royden Williams.He’ll be met at Sydney airport by Latta stable mainstay Bruce Herd who will get the horse organised in his new surroundings.

Herd has been in Sydney helping to look after Sir Peter Vela’s classy galloper He’s Eminent, second in Saturday’s Ranvet Stakes, whom he accompanied on the long flight out from England.

Eighteen horses have been nominated for Saturday’s 2000 metre three-year-old feature with Platinum Invador the fourth highest rated on 99, surprisingly higher than his New Zealand rating of 84.

“When our horses go to Australia their rating is usually lower,’’ says McAlister who races the horse with Lincoln Farms’ John and Lynne Street.

“On paper it’s hard to know how strong the field really is. There might be some smart ones in there that we don’t know about that have been waiting for these races.’’

At first glance his main opposition should come from:

• Victoria Derby winner Extra Brut, the highest rated on 107, who is stepping up to 2000 metres after two-lead-up races over 1400 metres and 1600 metres.
• Fellow Kiwi Madison County (106) who was scratched from last Saturday’s Rosehill Guineas when he took skin off his hip in the float trip to Rosehill. He was an eye-catching late closer when fourth at his last start behind The Autumn Sun in the Randwick Guineas.
• In A Twinkling (101) who will also be having his first start being pipped in the derby at Ellerslie.

McAlister says 20ml of rain is forecast for Friday so the chances are racing will be held on another heavy track, like Golden Slipper day.

“Apparently it was very puggy last Saturday but hopefully rain on the day might make it loose this week.

“Genuine, honest horses go in anything but Invador is actually better on a dry track when he can run faster sectionals.’’

Platinum Invador’s main mission is the A$2 million Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on April 6.

Eighteen horses are entered for the Tulloch Stakes. The final field and barrier draw will be out on Wednesday.