A setback prevented Orca from competing in one Derby but everything is falling into place for a crack at another.A grazed knee ended Orca's chances of running in the AJC Australian Derby (2400m) but victory in the Listed Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Randwick last Saturday put the Guy Walter-trained colt on track for the Queensland Derby in June.Orca runs in the Group Three Frank Packer Plate (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday and Walter could not be happier with the horse."I would normally be con
A setback prevented Orca from competing in one Derby but everything is falling into place for a crack at another.
A grazed knee ended Orca's chances of running in the AJC Australian Derby (2400m) but victory in the Listed Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Randwick last Saturday put the Guy Walter-trained colt on track for the Queensland Derby in June.
Orca runs in the Group Three Frank Packer Plate (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday and Walter could not be happier with the horse.
"I would normally be concerned about backing him up because he raced so well after a month's break but this is too good a race to pass up," Walter said.
"He's done very well since the run and has drawn a good alley in two, so it's all falling into place for him."
The only change Walter has made is Hugh Bowman replacing champion jockey Robert Thompson who gave Orca a beautiful cold ride in the Carbine Club.
"As much as we appreciated Robert's great ride last week, Hugh has had a great association with the horse and rides for the stable and couldn't make the weight last week, so he's back," Walter said.
Stablemate Yallingup has also pleased Walter in his build-up to the Frank Packer Plate.
The More Than Ready gelding ran fifth in the Carbine Club.
"He's racing like he's looking for 2000 metres and went very well last start and will be right up there," Walter said.