VRC Derby winner Goldrush Guru returns to Flemington for CS Hayes Stakes

A first-up ninth in the Listed Durbridge Stakes saw the son of American Pharoah stuck wide and without cover throughout, before being outsprinted by his rivals over 1100m at Morphettville.

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It was a tough but necessary start to the colt’s campaign, as he takes on a rise in trip (1400m) against fellow three-year-olds on Saturday.

“He was just subject to the sharp race, he jumped keenly, got caught wide and didn’t get a chance to catch his breath then the pressure was on,” trainer Andrew Gluyas said.

“The winner sucked up behind him, the second horse flashed up underneath him and (they) left him for dead.

“Jason (Holder) was kind to him in the straight – it was just a run we needed.”

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Star jockey Jamie Melham is back aboard for Saturday’s CS Hayes Stakes, and has a one from one record on Goldrush Guru after guiding him to his brilliant win in the 2024 VRC Derby.

The Group 1 $1m Australian Guineas (1600m) remains the immediate goal, while the colt has also been nominated for Sydney Group 1s including the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and Australian Derby (2400m).

“Back to three-year-old territory should suit him well, though he wants to get over further ground of course,” he said.

“He took great benefit out of the run, and I’m looking forward to him getting this (Saturday) under his belt and moving forward into the autumn.

“The race Saturday, it’s the first time he’s run at 1400m, we’ll see how that lines him up for the Australian Guineas and see where that takes us.”

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Goldrush Guru is one of three South Australian horses featuring at Flemington on Saturday, with Fancify and Wiggum both considered strong chances earlier in the day.

Adelaide hoops Todd Pannell (Fancify) and Lachlan Neindorf (Prinzerro, Stretan Angel) also have rides on the ten-race program headlined by the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m).

Goldrush Guru is currently a $13 hope with Sportsbet for Saturday’s CS Hayes Stakes.

Gun colt Royal Insignia is favourite at $4.

Originally published as VRC Derby winner Goldrush Guru returns to Flemington for CS Hayes Stakes