The G1 Queensland Derby sets up as a rematch of the G3 Grand Prix S. over 2200 metres at Doomben May 28, with the first three finishers from that contest nearly deadlocked in the betting for Saturday's race. Slightly favoured is Howard Be Thy Name (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}), who actually finished worst off of the three in third two weeks ago, but has a nearly impeccable record otherwise this campaign. The winner of five of his seven starts this season prior to the Grand Prix, the Darren Weir trainee recorded a first Group 1 win in the G1 South Australian Derby over 2500 metres May 14.
Former New Zealand galloper Mackintosh (NZ) (Pins {Aus}) has rapidly improved for trainer Chris Waller since beating just one home in his first Australian outing in the G1 Randwick Guineas Mar. 5. He has won three straight since: a Benchmark 77 race at Hawkesbury Apr. 30; Doomben's G3 Mittys Rough Habit Plate May. 14; and the Grand Prix, but has never raced beyond the latter race's 2200-metre trip. Mackintosh was being chased home strongly by Eagle Way (Aus) (More Than Ready) in the Grand Prix, and that one appears to be looking for the added distance under top big-race rider Tommy Berry.
Etymology (Aus) (New Approach {Ire}) finished second to Howard Be Thy Name in the SA Derby and has won just one of 12 starts, but he is usually fighting out the finish and will handle the distance. “He's very fit and we know he can run a strong 2400 metres,” said trainer John O'Shea. “The barrier's going to be tricky but he's capable of taking a forward position.”
“The form around him is well exposed,” O'Shea added. “Howard Be Thy Name had the better of him in Adelaide and has drawn well. But our horse has settled in well on the Gold Coast and if he can get some cover and be produced at the right time, he's a proven stayer and I expect him to run well.”
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