Fresh from preparing a Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner last Saturday with Sentimental Miss, Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta has further classic success in mind with smart three-year-old gelding Platinum Invador.
The son of Redwood has enjoyed an easy few weeks since finishing third in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and is now being aimed towards the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) on April 6.
“He had a week in the paddock after the Derby,” Latta said.
“He looks fantastic. He has been with Chrissy Bambry on the water treadmill and she sent me a video of him on Saturday and he was running around his paddock like he hadn’t raced for weeks.
“He will fly to Sydney next Monday and we’re going to go to the Tulloch (Gr.2, 2000m). He has proven he can back-up, so we thought that was a good option.”
After a luckless run in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), Platinum Invador won at Otaki a week later to secure his place in the New Zealand Derby field.
He backed-up again the following week in the Derby and was a fast-finishing third after coming from last on the home bend.
Blake Shinn is booked to ride him in the Tulloch Stakes.
