Etymology Into Derby Calculations With Caulfield Third

A powerful finishing burst carried Etymology into third place in the 2000m, G3 Caulfield Classic at Caulfield on Saturday, October 17.

The effort also assured him of a place in a strong Godolphin team being assembled for the G1 2500m Victoria Derby at Flemington in two weeks.

Etymology (John O'Shea/James McDonald) raced up to the promise he had shown in his only four previous starts, producing a finish that would have snatched second place in another stride.

Having his first start beyond 1800m, the son of New Approach showed an appreciation for the extra ground leading trainer John O'Shea to declare him an intended Derby runner.

"We have several possibilities for the Derby and he is certainly one of them," O'Shea said.

"That was a very good effort. He showed us that he'll get the 2500m and he showed he can relax.

"He didn't knock himself around, that's as good as any Derby trial you'll see."

Jockey James McDonald took Etymology straight to the fence from his middle gate and settled down in sixth place, seven lengths off the leader Ayers Rock.

The pattern remained unchanged until the top of the Caulfield straight where Etymology and McDonald made ground to be on the backs of the leading group at the 300m mark.

With no run appearing near the fence they eased across heels and launched their finishing run in the centre of the track to finish a length and a head behind the winner Sacred Eye.

"The runs didn't come at quite the right time, but when he got balanced he hit the line very strongly," McDonald said.

Another three Godolphin three-year-olds are due to have VRC Derby trials in the next week with MacArthur and The Weald entered for the 2200m, Listed Geelong Classic on Wednesday and Tally a likely runner in the G2, 2000m Vase at Moonee Valley three days later.