Laurie Laxon has NZ bred import Dujardin right on course for the G1 Singapore Derby on July 15.

Dujardin (4g Magic Ring – Princess Willow by Val d’Arno) was an impressive Class 3 winner over a mile at Kranji on Sunday.  He missed the jump but raced up to the leaders in the straight to defeat another NZ bred Superczar (St. Petersburg) by a half-length.

“He’s got a lovely stride and that should qualify him for the Derby,” Laxon said.  “He won two races in New Zealand and I don’t think his lack of experience up here is of any concern.  I also think he’ll be better on the turf.”

Racing as Chalaev back home, he won the Dunstan Feeds Mile at Ellerslie last December before transferring off-shore.  He had been purchased by Argonaut Racing for $15,000 at the 2009 NZB Festival yearling sale from Newmarket Lodge.

“He’s settling well in Singapore and Laurie is doing a great job with him.” jockey Danny Beasley reiterated.  “He deserves to be in the Derby line-up and I believe he will stay the 2000 metres.”

Dujardin is by former Richfield Farm sire Magic Ring (Green Desert) and his dam Princess Willow won races at Otaki and Woodville.