Former Kiwi trained three year old Mackintosh remains unbeaten for trainer Chris Waller and will now head to the Queensland Derby after winning the Group 3 $150,000 Mullins Lawyers Grand Prix Stakes (2200m) at Doomben today.
Macintosh has had three runs for Waller for three wins and will remain at the top of the betting for the Group 1 $600,000 Channel Seven Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm in a fortnight.
Macintosh was sent out the $2.10 favourite on the strength of his last start on pace win in the Group 3 $125,000 Mitty’s Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben two weeks ago and he was never going to let the punters down.
Winning rider Blake Shinn was able to settle Mackintosh outside of the leader Unbreakable ($12) and once heads were turned for home the Pins three year old was able to set up a winning break.
Runner up Eagle Way ($15) also put in an eye catching Queensland Derby run as did third placegetter Howard Be Thy Name ($4) who weaved his way through the field to claim the minor end of the prizemoney.
Waller is confident that Mackintosh will be able to handle the extra distance of the Queensland Derby even though he main rivals were making up ground on him today.
“He didn’t win by a big margin today and I think he will keep giving over 2400m too, which is obviously the next start in the Derby,” Waller said.
“I would have liked him to take cover today but he is a free rolling horse.” -Horseracing.com.au
