Polanski powers home in Victorian Derby

Polanski made dreams come true at Flemington on Saturday with a fairy-tale win in the G1 Victoria Derby (2500m.).

Trained to the minute by Robbie Laing, the colt hit the front early in the straight and stayed on strongly for a powerful three length victory over Complacent and Thunder Fantasy.

Laing bought Polanski for just $4,000 at 2012 Inglis Melbourne Autumn Sale from Chatswood Stud.  “I honestly believe when he thickens up he will become a star of the turf,” Laing said.  “He’s the real deal, a tough, strong, genuine stayer who should only get better as he gets older.”

Laing races the $1.17 million earner in partnership with Ross & Mrs F Warner, Jack & Jo Fraser, Henny & Ken Coram, Blair Shaw and Andy Hall.  “He will go for a break now and come back for the Australian Guineas.  Then we will head to Sydney for the Australian Derby.”

Polanski (3c Rakti – Citrium by Citidancer) was in the market after victories in the LR Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington and G3 Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield.

His sire Rakti won the 2002 Derby Italiano before transferring to England where he added a further four Group 1 victories.  He died at Chatswood Stud in December 2010 after fracturing a pelvis.

Polanski’s dam Citrium has a 2yo filly by Amadeus Wolf and foaled a Purrealist filly in August.