Queensland Derby goal for Southern Stock

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Chris Munce is eyeing off a TAB Queensland Racing Carnival campaign with emerging stayer Southern Stock following the gelding’s dominant victory at Doomben on Saturday.

Southern Stock, a son of noted staying stallion Tavistock, showed plenty of grit leading all the way on a heavy track to down Red Wave by three-quarters-of-a-length in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap over 2000 metres.

It was the first time Southern Stock had raced past 1600 metres and took his record to three wins from only eight starts.

Southern Stock’s win for jockey Larry Cassidy was in stark contrast to his previous effort when he sat back in the field and beat only one runner home over 1600 metres at Eagle Farm on March 12.

“It was a bit of mystery the other day,” Munce said.

“I don’t think he appreciates the sit and sprint type of races.

“I said to Larry (Cassidy) as soon as they back the speed off, let him go and take off on him and make it a good honest gallop.

“If it’s a sit and sprint race and he’s back in amongst them with no room to move, it becomes a bit tricky for him but if it’s a good solid gallop, he’s right.

“He didn’t seem to stretch out last start but he pulled up okay after he won so brilliantly the start before.”

Munce has high hopes he can raise the bar with Southern Stock to the Group 1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm in June.

“He’ll have a break for 10 days or two weeks and come back and trial and run in the Queensland Guineas, Rough Habit Plate and then the Queensland Derby,” he said.

“That’ll be his three runs then he’ll spell.”

Cassidy is a big fan of Southern Stock and backed Munce’s assessment for the winter.

“I know he looked disappointing last start but we pressed early to be closer and it didn’t suit him and they were going very fast and quicker than we anticipated,” Cassidy said.

“He dropped out and came again and he could have gone another lap.

“He’s fit and tough and doesn’t lay down and is one of those horses if you ride him pretty, you’ll lose every time.

“He’ll stay all day and go three laps and at a really good clip too, that’s what I like about him.”