Checkmate takes first step towards NZ Derby
Dennis Ryan - Raceform • January 9th, 2025 3:10 PM
Speculation as to which direction exciting galloper Checkmate will take over upcoming weeks has to some degree been settled with the decision to start him in a three-year-old 1500m at Ellerslie on Sunday.
The Lance O’Sullivan/Andrew Scott-trained gelding has been to the forefront of discussions for two of the key features on the inaugural Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8. Those races are the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi at 1500m and the $1.25 million Trackside NZ Derby at 2400m, for which Checkmate is the respective third favourite at $12 and second favourite at $10.
In just four starts, the son of dual Derby winner Mongolian Khan has won twice and placed in the other two, most recently resuming from a brief let-up for third in the Gr. 2 Auckland Guineas at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.
“We’re taking things one race at a time, but if he runs up to expectations on Sunday and we’re happy with him, we’ll look at the Waikato Guineas (2000m, February 8) and then the Derby,” O’Sullivan told RaceForm on Wednesday.
“He’s still an immature horse and we did look at keeping to shorter races with him, but as a home-bred he’s ineligible for the Karaka Millions and that leaves the NZB Kiwi. His regular jockey Warren Kennedy is adamant he’ll run a trip and at this point we believe that’s the way to go.”
Checkmate followed a maiden win at his second start with a commanding performance in the Armacup 3YO Stakes at Ellerslie in late November and O’Sullivan was well satisfied with his resuming third in the 1400m Auckland Guineas.
“From his draw he got posted wide and was softened up, so he did well to still finish third. He was always going to be better for the run after the break we gave him and he’ll be much fitter for it.”
Kennedy is committed on Sunday to the Cambridge Stud-owned filly Thooza, but premiership leader Masa Hashizume will be a worthy pinch-hitter. Kennedy will retain the ride on Checkmate beyond the weekend, while Hashizume is the regular rider of Derby favourite Willydoit, who was so impressive winning over 1600m at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.
The son of VRC Derby winner Tarzino is destined to be transferred from the Shaun and Emma Clotworthy stable to Australia, but not before his Derby date.
Checkmate’s rivals on Sunday include the two horses who beat him in the Auckland Guineas, Yaldi and Midnight Edition, who dead-heated before Midnight Edition was relegated to second due to interference over the final stages.
Wexford Stables still has irons in the fire for the NZB Kiwi, including the Waikato Stud slot-holder Sought After, who will have his first start at Ellerslie in Sunday’s three-year-old 1200m.
“We also nominated him for the Levin Classic down at Trentham, but we’ve decided to stay closer to home and use the opportunity to give him a look at Ellerslie,” O’Sullivan said.
Picture at the Top of the Page: Checkmate takes another step on his likely NZ Derby path at Ellerslie on Sunday. Photo: Supplied
