Yarra Glen trainer Shane Nichols is upbeat about the prospects of Falken giving him his best Group One result in the South Australian Derby.Nichols has had a smattering of unplaced runners in elite races in Victoria and South Australia but after months of planning he rates Falken a genuine chance in Saturday's 2500m Classic at Morphettville."This has been our target all preparation and we haven't had to change a thing," Nichols said."It has been the perfect preparation. He hasn't missed a heartb
Yarra Glen trainer Shane Nichols is upbeat about the prospects of Falken giving him his best Group One result in the South Australian Derby.
Nichols has had a smattering of unplaced runners in elite races in Victoria and South Australia but after months of planning he rates Falken a genuine chance in Saturday's 2500m Classic at Morphettville.
"This has been our target all preparation and we haven't had to change a thing," Nichols said.
"It has been the perfect preparation. He hasn't missed a heartbeat. I am tickled pink with him."
Last start Falken finished fifth to Victoria Derby winner Rebel Raider in the Chairman's TAB Stakes (2000m) at Morphettville but would have finished much closer had he not lost his position trying to get on the back of the winner at the 600 metres.
While disappointed with the result, Nichols was thrilled with the way the gelding finished off the race.
"Really he should have got the run of the second horse (Reprisal) and finished in his spot but he came out under Falken's neck and forced him back to second last on the corner," Nichols said.
Falken has been placed at seven of his 10 starts but only won his maiden over 1406 metres at Terang three runs back.
However Nichols has always liked him as a staying prospect and believes that being by Grass Wonder, a dual Group One winner of Japan's Arima Kinen (2500m), he will have no trouble with the Derby distance.
"I have always had a good opinion of him and he is going enormous," Nichols said.
"I don't know if he is up to Rebel Raider or Larry's Never Late but he will certainly be thereabouts because he will run a trip and he's very fit."
Rebel Raider is set to be the fourth favourite in a row to win the SA Derby and TAB Sportsbet quoted him at $3 after he drew barrier five in the 13-horse field on Wednesday.
Larry's Never Late has barrier 12 but continues to firm at $4 while Falken from barrier one is rated one of the outsiders at $23.
Nichols said the draw couldn't have worked out better for Falken who generally takes a forward position just off the pace in his races.
"He is going to get a good run in transit and if he can get an uninterrupted run to the line he will be able show a nice turn of foot," he said.