By Michael Guerin
Northern Derby runner-up Luke John has joined the powerful Hayden Cullen stable.
The exciting three-year-old, one of the big improvers of his crop this season, led the chase behind the tearaway Krug in the Woodlands-sponsored Derby won in such sensational fashion last Friday.
Luke John raced in the fluro yellow colours of Aussie owner Mick Harvey last Friday after being expertly trained by Logan Hollis and Shane Robertson but he has now headed to Canterbury to join Cullen.
“We thought with the Derby down there his next target that was the best place for him to go,” said Harvey.
“The boys up north have done a great job with him and we are thrilled with how he went last week.
“He seems to be getting better and better all the time and I was talking to Mark Purdon about him and he rates him really highly.
“So he will join Hayden for the Derby and then he will come over to Australia and join Nathan Purdon.”
Nathan Purdon has moved to Victoria where he is setting up from Dean Braun’s property and a horse like Luke John could be just the horse to give him a group one race contender.
Luke John’s second in the Derby started a huge weekend for the likeable Harvey, who is also an owner of King Of Swing, winner of back to back Miracle Miles.
“It was a special weekend, especially seeing the King get his second Mile.
“So he will head to the Queensland carnival now, to the Victoria Cup and then the Inter Dominions, with the final at Menangle this year.
“And then all going well come back and try and become the first horse to win three Miracle Miles.” Meanwhile, no firm plans have been made yet for any of the horses Cullen trains to head to the Queensland winter carnival which is now being touted for Copy That and potentially American Dealer.
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