Corey Brown will ride New Zealander Old Jock in the AJC Australian Derby with trainer John Sargent aiming to go one better than he did with 2008 runner-up Red Ruler.Brown became available when his original Derby mount Tobique suffered a knee injury ruling him out until the spring.Old Jock ran third in Saturday's Tulloch Stakes won by fellow New Zealander Harris Tweed with Dr Doute's splitting the pair.Harris Tweed is trained by Murray and Bjorn Baker who prepared Nom Du Jeu to win last year's De
Corey Brown will ride New Zealander Old Jock in the AJC Australian Derby with trainer John Sargent aiming to go one better than he did with 2008 runner-up Red Ruler.
Brown became available when his original Derby mount Tobique suffered a knee injury ruling him out until the spring.
Old Jock ran third in Saturday's Tulloch Stakes won by fellow New Zealander Harris Tweed with Dr Doute's splitting the pair.
Harris Tweed is trained by Murray and Bjorn Baker who prepared Nom Du Jeu to win last year's Derby.
Sargent believes the 2400 metres of Saturday's Derby will suit Old Jock who is by European stallion Montjeu, also the sire of Harris Tweed and Nom De Jeu.
"Montjeu is a champion sire of stayers and I have no doubts Old Jock will get the trip," Sargent said.
"Old Jock has only had a few starts but he relaxes well and is a horse on the way forward."
The Tulloch Stakes (2000m) was run on a heavy track but Sargent said he was not concerned about what sort of surface would be available on Saturday.
"He races just as well on firm tracks so it doesn't matter," he said.
Hugh Bowman will stick with Harris Tweed while Chris Munce will ride Victorian colt Big Col who has been paid up as a late entry after plans to take him to Perth for the WATC Derby had to be abandoned when flights were cancelled.
Metal Bender, who is aiming for the triple crown following his wins in the Randwick Guineas and Rosehill Guineas, remains the $4 equal favourite alongside Spring Champion Stakes winner Sousa for the Derby ahead of Tuesday's final declarations and barrier draw.
Harris Tweed is next at $7.50 with Old Jock a $17 chance.
A decision on whether Spring Champion Stakes runner-up Predatory Pricer runs will be made on Tuesday morning.
"We're not going to run on anything worse than a dead track but there's been a good breeze today and we'll see if the track has improved any," trainer Paul Murray said.
"The owners are keen to run but they agree it's not worth it on a wet track after the weekend."
Predatory Pricer ran 2-1/2 lengths fifth in the Tulloch Stakes and is at $11 with TAB Sportsbet.