3 minute read

The connections of Darceandermill have again missed out watching the colt win his second race, this time at a crowdless Mornington meeting.

The decision to bypass a race at Sandown for one at a slightly weaker level has afforded Darceandermill a metropolitan victory at Mornington. 

Darceandermill was scratched from the Clanbrooke Racing Handicap at Sandown on Saturday in preference for the Ron Hutchinson Handicap (1200m) on Monday. 

Taking advantage of the 2kg claim of apprentice Will Price, Darceandermill ($5.50) jumped quickly and led throughout in defeating the $2.10 favourite Beagle by three-quarters-of-a-length with River Views ($10) 3-¾ lengths off third. 

Darceandermill was a winner at Bendigo on June 5 and the Jason Warren and Dean Krongold stable had no hesitation in backing up the two-year-old son of Lonhro. 

"That's the second win for the boys and unfortunately they couldn't be here for it," Warren said. 

"We went out with a plan knowing we had the fittest horse in the race, or one of them. 

"The 1200 metres on a heavy track here for two-year-olds is a pretty stiff ask, so we made sure we made good use of our fitness and him being a professional. 

"I don't think 1200 is really his trip, but I felt that the way this race shaped he could get away with it, so now, anywhere between that 1000 metres and 1200 metres could suit. 

"He has got a good future." 

Price did not go out with a set plan aboard Darceandermill and had not intended to lead on the colt. 

But when Darceandermill jumped o smoothly he decided to take advantage of it and lead. 

"At his past couple he has been forward while has taken luck out of the equation," Price said. 

"Today we were going to ride him where he was comfortable because he can overdo it a little bit, but he jumped in front and I was happy to take it up and he relaxed nicely and gave a good kick on the corner."