Trainer John Thompson hopes Purple Sector has the right pedigree to become a Derby contender after the colt’s dominant victory at Kembla Grange on Tuesday afternoon.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Aided by a super ride from Tye Angland, the three-year-old stormed to a 5-¼ length win over Chris Waller’s Invictus Warrior and Donna Grisedale’s Tiomo in the Bomaderry Bowling Club Metro & Prov Maiden Handicap (1500m).
The breakthrough triumph had Thompson eyeing off bigger races during the Spring Carnival.
“That is what we are hoping,” Thompson said when asked about Purple Sector’s Derby potential.
“It was good to see him put it all together today because he has sort of promised to do that.
“I think the bigger track and the blinkers, with a little bit stronger rider to stand over him a little bit.
“He really turned the corner and hopefully he can go on with it.”
Thompson said Purple Sector would likely target a start in the listed Dulcify Quality Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick.
“I would say the more ground he gets over, the better he will go,” he said.
Purple Sector lapped up the 1500m on Wednesday.
Angland settled mid-field and made his move at the top of the Kembla straight.
The in-form jockey peeled out to the centre of the track, allowing Purple Sector to unleash a powerful sprint that quickly left his rivals in his wake.
“He put it all together today,” Angland said.
“Obviously the wide gate was a concern. When there is genuine pace in a race it can break it up and sometimes you get a bit lucky and find a good spot.
“That’s what I was able to do today. Coming around the corner I hooked him to the outside and he really let down. They thought he needed the blinkers, but they were a little bit concerned of him overdoing it a bit early day. He definitely got the job done today.”
The victory capped off a superb day in the saddle for Angland, who rode a treble on the afternoon.
The group 1 winning hoop linked up with Gary Portelli’s Sebring Express to take out the Dapto Citizens Bowling Club Benchmark 64 Handicap (1000m) and Godolphin’s Nai’a to claim the Wests Illawarra Class 1 Handicap (1500m).