Darley colt Retrieve firmed into a short-priced favourite for the G1 Victorian Derby after a sound victory in the G3 Norman Robinson Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Retrieve (3c Rahy – Hold To Ransom by Red Ransom) is priced at $2.80 by TAB Sportsbet for the Victoria Derby on October 30.  “That run will bring him along heading towards the Derby,” trainer Peter Snowden said.  “He’s a tough horse and I know I can get him fitter with another two week’s work.”

The Derby favourite was solid without being spectacular at Caulfield.  He got the better of Almindoro (Redoute’s Choice) at the furlong but the runner-up kept kicking to only go down a half-length.

Retrieve was conceived in Kentucky but was foaled in Australia.  He is by Three Chimneys Stud sire Rahy and was imported by Darley in utero in March 2007.  Rahy has been represented by 10 Australian winners including G1 2006 Queensland Oaks winner Allow.  

The Norman Robinson winner is from Royal Ascot stakes winner Hold To Ransom.  She has foaled two colts by Exceed and Excel since Retrieve.

Snowden gave Retrieve an educational run at Ballarat in February and, after a 20 week spell, the colt won at Geelong and Sandown before transferring to Sydney.

He kept improving to win the G3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill and was runner-up to stablemate Erewhon (Commands) in the G1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick.

Significantly, Snowden said Retrieve was a better horse than Erewhon after their one-two finish last time out.