THE $2.2 million Group One New Zealand Derby (2400m) remains firmly on the agenda for Red Ransom colt King Raedwald after his third place in an important lead-up at Ellerslie this afternoon.
The Kevin Gray trained galloper earned himself automatic entry in next month’s rich classic after finishing third in a near capacity Group Two Championship Stakes (2100m).
King Raedwald first announced his candidature for the Derby after finishing fourth in the Group One Levin Classic at Otaki in the spring.
King Raedwald is by Red Ransom out of Lady Circles, herself a half sister to multiple Group One winners Elvstroem and Haradasun.
The horse topped the 2008 NZB Ready To Run Sale selling for $400,000.
