Gallant Derby Third for Sirmione

9th June 2007

Classy staying three year-old Sirmione (3g Encosta de Lago – World Guide, by Defensive Play) had to settle for third beaten a head and a half head in the Group One QTC Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Coming off a last start runaway win in the Group Three QTC Grand Prix Stakes, Sirmione drew barrier 20 in the Derby, with jockey Michael Rodd forced to take him back to last and ride for luck.

He made a long sweeping run around the field and failed narrowly to catch Empires Choice and Volcanic Star, both of which saved lengths by traveling near to the fence.

Trained by the ‘Cups King’ Bart Cummings, Sirmione looms as a likely candidate for the big races in the spring and will creep in with a light weight courtesy of this narrow defeat.

Purchased by Bart Cummings for $300,000 from the draft of Murrulla Stud at the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Sirmione has won $271,475 in prizemoney.

Sirmione is the second foal of the Defensive Play mare World Guide, a half-sister to Sunray, winner of the Group Three New Zealand St Leger and Rocking On, winner of the Listed Grafton Cup.