Derby ruled out despite win

2 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Trainer John Thompson will resist the temptation to have a crack at the G1 Queensland Derby with Purple Sector (NZ) (Pins), despite the colt’s victory in the G3 National Road Safety Rough Habit Plate.

"We wanted to spell him in Queensland so we picked out this race to aim at before he went out," Thompson said.

"It worked out nicely. He had a good barrier, a good run throughout the race and I was confident from the jump."

“He had a good barrier, a good run throughout the race and I was confident from the jump." – John Thompson.

Ridden by Blake Shinn, Purple Sector enjoyed an economical run behind the pace and he took control on straightening and coasted clear.

A Man To Match (High Chaparral {Ire}) ran home gamely for second and the heavily-backed favourite Dealmaker (Dundeel {NZ}) was a tiring third. He made a mid-race move to sit outside the leader, but was unable to sprint again in the home.

Offered by Trelawney Stud, Purple Sector was purchased by Duncan Ramage for NZ$60,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale at Karaka.

He is a son of Eden Valley (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}, who is a sister to the G1 Ansett Australia S. winner Hill Of Grace (NZ) and the G2 Autumn Classic winner Renewable (NZ).

Purple Sector as a yearling