The white and red colours of Jonathan Munz’s Pinecliff Racing were carried to victory by progressive Hinchinbrook colt Derryn in the Group II $600,000 ATC Arrowfield Sprint at Randwick on Saturday on the second day of The Championships. A dominant winner of the Listed ATC Darby Munro Stakes at Rosehill last month, the Hayes / Dabernig trained Derryn was set a task last Saturday when lining up against Chautauqua in the Group I ATC TJ Smith Stakes. He finished midfield beaten six lengths after drawing wide, but found the drop back to his own age group and firmer footing very much to his liking. Derryn was well ridden by Mark Zahra and forged clear at the finish to win the 1200 metre dash by a length over dual Group I winning filly Global Glamour. “He had a nice run, wide but with cover and let down really nicely,” said Zahra. “They had him cherry ripe on the quick back up.” A $110,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock from the Bylong Park Thoroughbreds draft, Derryn runs for a big syndicate that includes Jonathan Munz’s Pinecliff Racing in whose colours he runs. Derryn has three wins and three placings from 11 starts with prizemoney topping $690,000. “He’s done a fantastic job this preparation,” said Ben Hayes. “We thought we’d have a throw at the stumps in the TJ, but the track was just too wet. He likes to be able get his toe in. “We’ll see how he pulls up before we make any decisions on whether he continues.” Bred by Bylong Park, Derryn is the third winner for blue-blooded Lonhro mare Munhro, a half-sister to Group III winner Colour from the True Blonde branch of the Easy Date family that is noted for producing Golden Slipper winner Forensics. Derryn is one of nine stakes-winners for Yarraman Park’s Hinchinbrook, who has had a slight service fee increase for 2017 and will stand at $44,000. (photo by Steve Hart)
