McKee returns to Randwick with Derby hope

Monday 28 March 2016, 5:18pm

New Zealand trainer Stephen McKee is no stranger to Randwick on Doncaster day having brought Sunline to race in the famous mile three times for two wins.

On Saturday, the Australian Derby will be his focus when What's The Story attempts to upset Tarzino in the blue riband.

What's The Story finished a short head second to Rangipo in a packed finish to the New Zealand Derby earlier this month.

The form from the NZ Derby has been underlined by solid performances from the fourth and fifth-placed Valley Girl and Capella in Saturday's Group One Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill.

Valley Girl finished second to Single Gaze with Capella fifth, less than two lengths from the winner.

"It's good to be heading over again as it's a few years since I've gone over to tackle one of their big races," McKee told nzracing.co.nz.

"We've enjoyed some success there so it would be nice to think we could do it again although I'm acutely aware of the big task we have on Saturday as there are some very classy customers were taking on.

"Tarzino is the form horse and Tally looks like a potential star as well but were not going to be scared off by them."

With the retirement of his father Trevor, McKee now trains in partnership with Eddie Chippendale.

He believes the Randwick track will suit What's The Story who is a $15 chance in the Derby.

"You would think on what he has done to date that 2400 metres on the big Randwick track is tailor made for him," McKee said.

Anthony Cummings will wait until later in the week before confirming a Derby start for Montaigne.

The three-year-old finished fourth in Saturday's BMW behind seasoned campaigners Preferment, Who Shot Thebarman and Grand Marshal.

A week earlier he finished second to Tarzino in the Rosehill Guineas.

Cummings said he would accept with the gelding on Tuesday but continue to monitor Montaigne's condition over the next few days.

– AAP

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