Australian derby options for Platinum Invador after massive come-from-last third at Ellerslie

Part-owner Neville McAlister has some serious research to do over Platinum Invador’s immediate future after the horse’s massive run for third in today’s $1 million New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie.

Platinum Invador earned almost as many plaudits as upset winner Crown Prosecutor after he came from last on the home turn, devouring the two leaders late to finish just 1.7 lengths away at the post.

Weaving a path through the pack, rider Chris Johnson was held up repeatedly before bursting through a gap 150 metres out and powering home like a real stayer of the future.

His closing 600 metre sectional of 34.35 was easily the fastest in the race, ahead of fifth-placed Surely Sacred who ran 34.66. The winner clocked 34.99.

Neville McAlister is interviewd by Trackside TV’s Aidan Rodley after the derby.But now McAlister, his partners, Lincoln Farms’ John and Lynne Street and trainer Lisa Latta, have some decisions to make on which derby to tackle next.

“He’s nominated for the AJC Derby,’’ said McAlister. “That’s only a month away so if we went to Sydney he’d have a week in the paddock then be right back into it.’’

But McAlister has some reservations about the A$2 million AJC Derby run at Randwick on April 6 and says consideration will have to be given also on whether to tackle the A$600,000 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm on June 8 instead.

“With the way he’s getting so far back in his races I’ll have to take some advice on whether horses can give them that big a head start at Randwick.’’

It may be, says McAlister, that Platinum Invador’s best chance would be in Brisbane.

“At Doomben he’d have no chance but you can come from behind at Eagle Farm and that’s where the race is being held again this year.’’

A Brisbane campaign, however, would mean spelling the gelding then bringing him back up again.

Chris Johnson brings Platinum Invador back to scale after his barnstorming third. Stablemate Sir Nate (13th) is in the background.McAlister is excited about the hint the horse gave today that 3200 metres will not be beyond him either.

“Imagine how he could go at Flemington with 500 metres to wind up in the home straight?’’

Johnson told McAlister and Street on dismounting that Platinum Invador just gets better and better every time he rides him.

“You wouldn’t know how good he is yet,’’ said McAlister. “All the others were flat at the finish today and he was still coming.’’

McAlister praised Johnson for his cool decision to probe for runs through the pack, rather than skirting wide.

“That was definitely the right option on the day. The favourite, Surely Sacred, went five wide and paid for it.’’

Trainer Lisa Latta, who had three runners in the derby, follows their progress with John Street.Praise for Latta

Street praised Latta for getting Platinum Invador to place in the derby virtually on one preparation. It also spoke volumes for the horse’s toughness that he had coped with having to trip up and down the country in the last three weeks to try to force a place in the field.

His performance surely underlined the need for the Auckland Racing Club to revise their stakes-based ranking criteria - only a late defection saw the horse scrape into the field as the last qualifier, when his rating and form was superior to at least half a dozen ahead of him.

Platinum Invador’s effort earned $86,500 for his connections, Latta delighted with the way the horse has come on this campaign.

Immature and weak, he won his maiden only two and a half months ago when Latta rated him only a slight chance of getting to the derby.

McAlister revealed Platinum Invador had also tended to fire up and pull as a two-year-old when he raced only once.

“But in his first few starts Robbie Hannam taught him to relax.

“And that’s how Chris rode him today, just let him jump out and relax.’’

Stablemate Lincoln Falls, on the other hand, never relaxed today, rider Johnathan Parkes forced to really press the button to cross from his 16 gate when trapped four wide passing the post the first time.

“The plan was to jump out and try to put him in the race but he started gawking around,’’ Latta said.

Lincoln Falls was left in front afterwards, travelling too keenly, and he capitulated in the run home to finish last.

Latta will bring the colt back to 1600 metres now but before that he has an appointment with the vet when he will be gelded.