Favouritism in the 2400-metre NZ$1-million Vodafone NZ Derby at Ellerslie falls to the lone filly in the full field of 20–Danzdanzdance (Aus) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), one of three, along with G2 Great Northern Guineas runner-up Endowment (NZ) (Savabeel {Aus}) and maiden winner Tavlin (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), hailing from the barn of Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs. Third in a Ruakaka maiden when unveiled in September, a spell just shy of four months followed, before the grey saluted going 1400 metres there on Jan. 6. Sixth going a mile in the Listed Karaka Million 3yo Classic, Danzdanzdance was a close second to On The Rocks (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) in the 2100-metre G2 Avondale Guineas over this course on Feb. 17.
“She's exceeded the expectations of myself and the other owners,” said Danzdanzdance's part-owner Kylie Bax to NZ Racing News of the NZ$5,000 Karaka Select Sale buy. “For such a cheap filly, and cheap doesn't reflect her pedigree, to do what she has already done is amazing and it's only the beginning. It's too far to go to Trentham for the Oaks [on Mar. 18] and Donna has had a bit of luck with fillies in the Derby.”
Third in the G2 Great Northern Guineas) on Jan. 1, Derby second choice On The Rocks could only manage eighth in the Karaka Millions 3yo Classic Jan. 27. He proved effective against many of these in the G2 Avondale Guineas going 2100 metres on Feb. 17.
Civil Disobedience (NZ) represents the Darren Weir barn, and the fairly consistent son of Raise The Flag (GB)–no worse than fourth in 10 starts to date–could be heard from in the Derby. He scored by 2 3/4 lengths going 2200 metres at Hobart in the Tasmanian Derby last time on Feb. 9.
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