Dragon leaps into NZ and Australian Derbys

Dragon Leap has been a market mover for the Australian Derby after getting his campaign back on track with a Group Two victory at Ellerslie.

He will first run in the New Zealand Derby after his decisive win in Saturday’s Avondale Guineas (2100m).

The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained gelding missed his original NZ Derby lead-up in the Waikato Guineas a week ago because of an elevated temperature.

He showed no signs of any problem with his emphatic 1-1/2 length win over Scorpz under Opie Bosson.

“It was a great ride from Opie and quite a soft win so it’s a great result,” O’Sullivan said.

“There was a little bit of a question mark but Andrew and I looked at him before the race and he really lined up looking fit and healthy.

“It was just good to see him put it all together.

“One of his main attributes is his temperament and the way he behaves, as big occasions just aren’t going to worry him.”

Dragon Leap firmed from $26 to $9 for the Australian Derby on April 4 and is the $2.20 favourite for the NZ equivalent in two weeks.

O’Sullivan said he had no qualms about the 2400m of both races.

“Genetics suggest he will get it but you never know until you try however, I’m pretty confident that he will,” he said.

The stable will need a new rider for the NZ blue riband with Bosson committed to Te Akau Shark in the Chipping Norton Stakes at Randwick.