Tulloch Owned The Derby. Accidental Bid Is Coming To Collect.

Three close links to Tulloch, the greatest Queensland Derby winner and every other Australian Classic for that matter, remain.

According Bob Thomsen, onto two are still in action with the other being Gai Waterhouse, then Smith, the very youthful daughter of the legend Tommy Smith.

Thomsen flashed the picture of the curly topped Gai Smith mounted on Tulloch with the stable retainer “Bricky” Atkins holding the three-year-old in his vintage 1957 season.

At the time Thomsen, who became an eminent trainer, was apprenticed to Smith and rode against the champion in track gallops, often being instructed by jockey George Moore to “go harder” thus make the lazy Tulloch expand.

The subject arose recently during astute photographer Steve Hart’s racing lunch at Hornsby, peopled by the salt of the turf including Thomsen, “K” – Kevin Langby, as good a barrier hoop ever produced from Tulloch Lodge, with veterans Bob Charley, AO, a major administrator, author and Warrnambool fancier plus Bruce McHugh, dubbed the bastion of bookmaking boldness in his hay day with Kerry Packer.

Gosford’s Reg Delaney was the master of ceremonies and referee with Martin King, from Sportpix, always on the simmer to proclaim Chris Waller is the best trainer produced in Australia.

Thomsen, though, answers the call for Smith, proclaiming he and Gai, the young girl who went so far, were the relics that were up close and personal to Tulloch.

Not so.

Neil Campton, also imbibing at the lunch and one of the good guys in the saddle and trainer, had a special attachment to Tulloch.

“I was apprenticed with John Page at stables alongside Tulloch Lodge,” Campton recalled. “Great to be around Tulloch. When he had finished his career Tommy had a farewell for him with the media one Sunday morning. It was early and he could not get anyone at his stable for pictures. He got me out of bed. It was my day off but it was Tulloch and Tommy Smith.

“Later Tommy came and gave me a couple of undeveloped prints. I’ve still got the pictures.”

Campton’s infatuation for Tulloch never ended. He later secured the hammer, used to shoe the champ. It slipped out of his control but is now back, and a prized possession.

These days Campton is involved in horticulture, wins awards, while Thomsen pursues his passion for vintage cars, golf and Tulloch.

“Before he won the Queensland Derby, Tulloch had seven wins as a three-year-old, encompassing the AJC Derby (then in the Spring), Caulfield Cup and Victoria Derby,” Thomsen enthused. It followed 12 starts as two-year-old. Martin King will chortle about Waller and Winx but Tulloch reigns supreme. If there are any doubts raise it with Thomsen.

Alas there has not been a topliner to take the Queensland classic for yonks. Consider the race greats: Rough Habit, Handy Proverb, Strawberry Road, Kingstown Town and the outstanding filly Analie (1973). Tails, too, must be mentioned to appease his cheer squad.

The last filly to score was Dariana (2010), prepared by Bart Cummings, but hardly memorable. Maybe Solid Gold, from New Zealander, can emulate her on Saturday.

Twelve months ago Maison Louis, also NZ, captured the Queensland Derby but has done little since. The gelding has accepted in the Lord Mayor’s Cup at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

I’m tipping Accidental Bid to take the Queensland Derby.

Accidental Bid, a Brit bred, wilted last time out in the Rough Habit at Eagle Farm after being used early from a wide gate. It was at his first race for a month.

From the six launch I anticipate an easier passage. Wet will suit, but after the incredible Doomben improvement to good ground last Saturday some caution is worthwhile regarding the conditions.

Despite recent downpours the big acceptance at Eagle Farm, particularly the Kingsford Smith Cup, and Rosehill is fascinating, made so by the current predilection for scratchings, hardly the caper in the Tulloch era.

Proceeds from Private Eye’s Kingsford Smith run, a Group One sprint, will go to the mighty Jai Arrow, battling motor neurone disease. Strength to the eight-year-old and magic hands plus flailing arms and heels of Nash Rawiller.

However I am going for stablemate Headley Grange, also tuned by Joe Pride. A five-year-old, Headley Grange was fifth, beaten under two lengths, in the All-Aged Stakes at Randwick (track good) on April 18 despite being three wide throughout. Coming from the four gate a sweeter passage is envisioned. And Headley Grange loves it wet: six attempts on heavy for two wins, a second and third.