The gun Darren Weir-trained visitor Civil Disobedience jumped odds-on favourite at Hobart Racecourse overnight and did not disappoint, blitzing his rivals for a runaway 2018 Tasmanian Derby win for the punters.
The New Zealand Derby on March 3 could be on the cards for 2018 Tasmanian Derby winner Civil Disobedience (pictured at Flemington). Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
It was an all-Weir quinella in this summer’s Listed $150,000 Tasmanian Derby (2200m) with Raise The Flag colt Civil Disobedience ($1.40) beating home his in-form stablemate Wolfendale ($4.80) by two and three-quarter lengths on the line.
All the money was on Civil Disobedience who was dropping back from the 60kg he carted to third at Flemington on January 20 to 57kg at set weights in his Tasmanian debut.
The John Allen-ridden youngster relished the weight drop and his first look at the 2200m, getting the run of the race from the inside alley and putting the Tasmanian Derby results beyond doubt 250m out.
“I just needed a little bit of luck on the corner and once the gap presented he sprinted really well and he won with a bit of ease,” the Irish-bred Allen told the media post-win.
Allen had Civil Disobedience settled third in the run behind the Damien Oliver-ridden Kugelblitz, having just his third career start, and the luckless Overplay whose performance was hampered by a saddle slip.
The favourite was quick to extend once he got the split, impressing Allen with his staying potential.
“This is a very exciting colt and I’m sure he has a great future as a stayer,” the winning hoop said.
“I’ve ridden him in most of his races this preparation and he continues to learn and improve and today he just played with the opposition.”
Civil Disobedience’s 30 plus owners were trackside at the Twilight Hobart meet to watch their investment storm home down the straight and put a trip across the Tasman for the New Zealand Derby on the radar.
“We have been excited about this colt from day one and Darren (Weir) has high expectations,” managing owner John Costigan, who purchased Civil Disobedience and has a 25% share in the up-and-coming stayer, told Tas Racing.
“The plan was to look at either the South Australian Derby or the New Zealand Derby but after today’s effort I’m fairly confident Darren will be more inclined to take him to New Zealand.”
Weir’s runner-up Wolfendale was no match for the winner, the last start Hobart Guineas winner well-beaten but still holding a further half-length margin on the third placed Pennstock ($26) from the Spreyton stables of Barry Campbell.
It was the second third placing on the trot for Hinchinbrook gelding Pennstock who was also in the money behind Wolfendale in the Listed Hobart Guineas (2100m) on January 28.
As for the impressive Tasmanian Derby winner Civil Disobedience, Weir and connections are now seriously considering a trip to Ellerslie Racecourse on the first Saturday in March for the NZ$1 million New Zealand Derby (2400m).
“I’m not sure of the plans, maybe even the New Zealand Derby in three weeks, but I’ll let Darren and the team decide that,” Allen added.
“He’s been very progressive, he had the form on the board.”
The New Zealand Derby has been won by some outstanding stayers over the years including subsequent Rosehill Guineas winner Gingernuts (2017) and that year’s Caulfield Cup champion in the spring Mongolian Khan (2015), both ridden to victory by Opie Bosson.
Success in the NZ Derby could also further improve Civil Disobedience’s value at stud according to Costigan.
“The colt is not so fashionably bred for the Australian market but that would be the reverse in New Zealand,” he said.
To get behind Civil Disobedience next race and access all the top autumn racing odds online visit Ladbrokes.com.au today.
2018 Tasmanian Derby Results & Finishing Order
Hobart Race 6 (6:54pm) – 09/02/2018
| Place | # | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Br. | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE (NZ) | Darren Weir | John Allen | – | 1 | 57kg | $1.40F |
| 2 | 2 | WOLFENDALE | Darren Weir | Dean Yendall | 2.75L | 3 | 57kg | $4.80 |
| 3 | 5 | PENNSTOCK | Barry Campbell | Craig Newitt | 3.25L | 2 | 57kg | $26 |
| 4 | 4 | DOUBLE YOU TEE | John Blacker | Jason Maskiell | 3.45L | 7 | 57kg | $13 |
| 5 | 7 | KUGELBLITZ (NZ) | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | Damien Oliver | 6.2L | 6 | 57kg | $8.50 |
| 6 | 6 | GEE GEES SAINT NIK | Leon, Dean & Trent Wells | Troy Baker | 9.95L | 5 | 57kg | $201 |
| 7 | 3 | OVERPLAY | David A Miller | Chris Graham (a) | 10.15L | 4 | 57kg | $41 |
