With the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) in their sights, Te Akau Racing were thrilled to see a classy staying performance by Ascend The Throne to break maidens at Matamata on Wednesday.

Ascend The Throne indicated a step-up in distance would be well-suited after two creditable performances to date, first in his debut over 1300m, and last start when coming from last to finish fifth over 1600m at Te Rapa.

Stepping up to the 2000m on his home track, the son of Savabeel was given a patient trip midfield under Opie Bosson, the experienced hoop only placing pressure on the three-year-old nearing the home turn when Holy Orange made a break on the remainder of the field.

Once asked for an extra effort at the 300m, Ascend The Throne wore down the leader effortlessly and stormed through the line to score by a length-and-a-half, rewarding the red-hot $1.60 TAB tote favouritism.

Mark Walker, who trains the gelding in partnership with Sam Bergerson, had hoped to see a performance justifying a campaign towards the Derby, which will now continue with the Gr.2 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (2000m) on January 31.

“It was a really nice staying performance at his first time over ground, and he’ll now prepare for the Waikato Guineas,” he said.

“He’s taken a little time to mature, but there’s further improvement to come and he’s going to make into a really nice staying horse as a four and five-year-old. But, we still think he’s a realistic chance of making the New Zealand Derby this year.”

TAB Bookmakers were swift in reacting to the gelding’s victory, shortening him to $16 on the Futures market for the Derby, which will be held at Ellerslie on March 2.

Ascend The Throne was a $575,000 purchase out of Milan Park’s Book 1 draft at the 2022 National Yearling Sales at Karaka by David Ellis, who had rated the gelding highly as a yearling.

“We rated him one of the best Savabeel colts of the sale. We loved him,” Ellis said.