April 29 - Australian racehorse trainer Peter Moody has had a good run of it of late, his last triumph being with Markus Maximus in the prestigious AUD$500,000 West Australian Derby (Gr 1) at Ascot Racecourse earlier this month. Now he too has his sights set on Saturday's South Australian Derby.

In Saturday's 2500m outing at Morphettville Racecourse in Adelaide, Moody will be sending out not one, but two plucky runners in Fitoussi and Astro Gains, each of which are in with an outside shot to win the auspicious race. First, however, they'll have to overcome favorites, Rebel Raider and Larry's Never Late.

Rebel Raider will start the race as the main favorite at $3.40 while Larry's Never Late will be sent out at $4.20. Although Fitoussi and Astro Gains will be sent out at $6 and $17 respectively, Moody is hoping to cause and upset with either of his two runners considering that both are reportedly currently in fine fettle.

While Fitoussi didn't run as well as expected in the recent 2000m Chairman's TAB Stakes at Morphettville, he did move up the 15-horse field from last to finish in sixth, showing great stamina. Said Moody's racing manager Jeff O'Connor, 'He had to go around them all which made it hard for him but he ran on well.'

Continued O'Connor, 'We prefer Fitoussi not to be getting back so far, but during his last two runs he has gone back because of wide draws. If he can draw a decent gate in the South Australian Derby gate he might be able to hold a spot in front of a couple and travel better in the middle of them until the line.'

The racing manager went on to say that regardless of the result in Saturday's big race, Fitoussi would probably be given a well-deserved break. Astro Gains on the other hand would most likely be pointed at the 2400m AUD$500,000 Queensland Derby (Gr 1) in June at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Brisbane.

Said O'Conner, 'There is nothing wrong with Astro Gains' form. He seems to have snuck into the Derby without anyone taking any notice of him but his four runs this campaign have all been good.' In his last two starts, Astro Gains notched up third place in each and, in his last outing, was beaten by under a length.

In the South Australian Derby, Jason Benbow will likely be aboard Fitoussi while Luke Nolen will likely be aboard Astro Gains.

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2011/12/09 12:48:57 AM