Connections for Gouldian are optimistic the classy colt will run in the Group 1 AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington this Saturday despite being scratched from last weekend’s Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) due to a mild throat infection.

Gouldian is still in with a chance at running the Victoria Derby, despite suffering a throat infection last week. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

The Street Cry colt worked very well on the Flemington course proper Tuesday morning, and is at this point fit enough to start the $1.5 million Victoria Derby. He worked over 2000 metres, clocking in at 24.18 seconds down the last 400 metres.

“He’s really well, he had a strong gallop this morning at Flemington and we are happy with him,” Godolphin racing manager Jason Walsh told racing.com.

“We are chasing our tail a little bit having missed the Vase with the cough; having the cough was not ideal but while we haven’t quite settled on a decision it is all pointing towards him starting in the Derby.”

Walsh said a scope revealed the colt had low-grade mucus but vets didn’t think it was a big issue.

“He had an easy day on Saturday and a pretty testing gallop over 2000-metre today.

“He did have a bit of blow after his gallop, having had a few easy days, but he has had no temperature and he’s been eating up his feed.”

The Godolphin-owned three-year-old colt has had just six career starts, winning his maiden last time out at Warwick Farm over 1600 metres on October 8.

Gouldian is a $17 shot at winning the 2014 VRC Derby in the Ladbrokes.com.au betting market alongside Firehouse Rock and Light Up Manhattan. Hampton Court is favourite at $2.80 while Preferment is on the second line of betting at odds of $6.

The Victoria Derby final field is set to be released Wednesday morning, so keep Races.com.au bookmarked for all the information.