Lane aims Spin Da Wheels at derby
Michael Lane is confident Spin Da Wheels can emerge as a serious contender for the $400,000 WATC Derby in April.
The three-year-old resumes in today's Magic Millions Raceday On 15 February Handicap over 1200m at Ascot.
The Bunbury trainer decided to run Spin Da Wheels against older horses in his first outing since late August.
But the Hard Spun-Miss Ducati gelding will carry only 52kg after apprentice Chanelle O'Grady's 3kg claim.
Spin Da Wheels ran 11 times during a gruelling two-year-old and early three-year-old campaign, winning four races and running five minor placings in 11 starts from 1000m to 1600m.
The gelding finished second to Ihtsahymn when he was stretched to a mile on June 22.
Ihtsahymn was the star of the Ascot summer carnival, winning the WA Guineas (1600m), Kingston Town Classic (1800m) and CB Cox Stakes (2100m).
"There were no races around for his age group," Lane said.
"I want to have him run in the $100,000 Challenge Stakes in a fortnight and needed to start now.
"We are looking at a staying preparation for him.
"He does have a touch of staying blood through Friar's Delight and Sweet Delight in his pedigree and he does relax nicely in his races."
Spin Da Wheels wore blinkers in a recent trial at Bunbury, when he showed brilliant speed to lead his rivals by five lengths before coasting to the line with three-quarters of a length to spare in 60.20sec.
Spin Da Wheels won't race in blinkers today.
Lane also is keen to have Spin Da Wheels contest the $100,000 Breeders' Classic (1400m) at Bunbury on March 9.
The WATC Derby (2400m) is on April 12.
