5 Apr 2018
Natalie Young became the first woman trainer to win the Gr.1 Australian Derby when the Tavistock gelding Tavago (pictured) powered home to win the time-honoured classic last year. Tomorrow she looks to the same sire again for a historic repeat.
In partnership with Trent Busuttin, Natalie saddles the Gr.2 performed Tavistock colt Salsamor.
Salsamor will be ridden by top jockey Zac Purton, who will guide his mount from barrier 19.
“Salsamor carries the same number as Tavago did, so that’s a good omen,” Young commented to Cambridge Stud today.
“Unfortunately, he jumps from a wider barrier, but having a jockey on the calibre of Zac, certainly helps with this."
Salsamor was fourth against older horses at his last start in the Gr.3 Sky High Stakes (2000m) on the 17th of March.
“He came through this race really well," said Young.
“Being by Tavistock, we wanted to keep him a little on the fresh side. We’ve given him three weeks between races, so he is ideally set to attempt Tavistock Derby double tomorrow.”
Bred by Mark Oulaghan, Salsamor has already repaid the $150,000 NZB Select Yearling Sale price tag that was outlaid for him by owners Seymour Bloodstock, Red Rock Racing, David Lawn, Mike Kneebone, Tommy Heptinstall, Kevin Taylor, Dave Kneebone, Nicki Cruickshank, Warren Gatland, Kevin O'Brien and William Kit.