Scientific tests have revealed surprising results on the distance aptitude of this season’s star New Zealand staying three-year-old Willydoit.
The son of Tarzino produced his peak performance to romp home in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby and was transferred to leading trainer Ciaron Maher following a gallant fourth in the Australian Derby, also run over 2400m.
Willydoit was raced by Byerley Park trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy with Bryan Black and international micro share syndicator MyRacehorse, who all remain in the ownership of the gelding.
“I spoke to Ciaron over at the Gold Coast Sale and they’d done a DNA test on him to work out what his ultimate distance might be,” Shaun Clotworthy said.
“It came back as showing he was a 1400m to a mile horse, which was interesting.
“He thought they may give him a lighter spring, he’s about three or four weeks away from a jump-out after spelling in Queensland in the warmer weather.
“He might kick off around Sydney this preparation and then target some bigger races in the autumn.”