- by: Nathan Exelby
- From: The Courier-Mail
- October 29, 2012
HAVING stitched up a third Cox Plate, Glen Boss is growing in confidence he can win a second Victoria Derby when he partners Hvasstan in the $1 million feature this Saturday.
Boss confessed to being a little dusty yesterday after celebrating Ocean Park’s Cox Plate win.
“I don’t drink much through the carnivals, but I gave it a red hot go until about one o’clock last night,” Boss said.
“I looked at myself in the mirror this morning and said this is why I don’t drink.”
Like a number of rivals, Boss was buoyed by the defeat of It’s A Dundeel in Saturday’s Mitchelton Wines Vase and believes Hvasstan has the credentials to inflict another defeat on the Kiwi.
“I have a very good ride in the Derby and I’m really excited about riding this horse,” he said.
“It threw the race wide open with that other colt (It’s A Dundeel) getting beat.
“Hvasstan is a magnificent Fastnet Rock colt and he’s learning his trade in the last month very quickly. He’s another one (like Ocean Park). It’s all about business with this colt. He just keeps turning up and doing his job. He will run very well in the Derby.”
Boss’ big breakthrough in Melbourne was on Hit The Roof in the Derby 12 years ago.
He is still seeking a Melbourne Cup ride, with Gatewood unlikely to make the field.
Stewards reported It’s A Dundeel had a slower than normal recovery rate post race, but trainer Murray Baker was happy with his condition yesterday morning, saying he had “bounced back” in good style.
The trainer took comfort in the sectionals out of the Vase, which made it tougher for It’s A Dundeel to get over the top of Super Cool at Moonee Valley.
A decision on whether eye-catching Norman Robinson third placegetter Electric Fusion starts in the Derby will be made after he gallops tomorrow.
Mosheen’s farcical VRC Oaks win aside, Fastnet Rock isn’t noted for producing stayers, but he is set to have a big hand in the Derby, with Hvasstan, Electric Fusion and Super Cool all sons of the Coolmore super-sire.
Anthony Cummings is never shy to have a throw at the stumps in major races and he will pay up for runaway Rosehill winner Fiveandahalfstar, with Damien Oliver booked to ride.