New Zealand Derby Candidate for Montjeu

3rd February 2008

Champion sire Montjeu has emerged with a live candidate for the Group One New Zealand Derby following a strong win by Nom Du Jeu (3c Montjeu - Prized Gem, by Prized) in the Group Three Waikato Guineas at Te Rapa in New Zealand on Saturday.

The Murray Baker trained Nom Du Jeu finished doggedly to win the 2000 metre event by a short neck taking his record to three wins and two placings from seven starts.

In claiming his first Black Type success Nom Du Jeu becomes the 40^th stakes-winner worldwide for champion sire Montjeu, who shuttled to Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand for four seasons but is now permanently based at Coolmore Ireland where he commands a fee of 125,000 euros.

Nom Du Jeu was retained to race by his breeder Mrs Billie Morton, who also enjoyed much success with the colt’s dam Prized Gem, also trained by Murray Baker.

A dual Group One winner of the Kelt Capital Stakes and QTC Brisbane Cup, Prized Gem won nine races and over $1million in prizemoney and Nom Du Jeu is her very first foal.

Nom Du Jeu is being aimed towards a start in the Group One $700,000 New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie on March 1 and should find his ideal distance when he gets up to 2400 metres.