The 152nd running of the $1.5m, Group I, AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday saw the launch of a super star when Efficient (NZ) demonstrated a turn of foot over the final 150m of the classic race that would grace races of considerably lesser distances.

Before the biggest crowd ever for Flemington of 129,089 the Derby was going to be a staying contest from the moment that Spring Champion Stakes winner Teranaba, under Kerrin McEvoy, stamped out a good tempo stringing the field out over 15L.

Efficient and Michael Rodd settled towards the rear on the rails waiting and watching for the meters to tick over. Get Square under Darren Beadman pulled hard in the early stages but eventually came back to Beadman running in sixth on the rails. Gorky Park (NZ) and Craig Williams were just ahead in fifth.

Teranaba came to the main straight with 1 1/2L to spare and McEvoy set off to the line. Gorky Park, the Geelong Classic winner, challenged and Efficient was 7L in arrears.

Rodd started Efficient after the leaders on the rails but the task was massive, or so it seemed. Get Square started to grind after the leaders as well with Beadman moving out four wide for room. Rodd came up inside them and moved out as well, in front, but clear.

There was still 4L to go to reach the leaders at the 200m, but when Rodd had Efficient clear he lifted his head and carrage as he went up another gear all over again.

It still seemed too hard a task, the leaders were fighting out another race, but then in a second it was apparent just how quickly Efficient was moving. In strides Efficient and Rodd, riding hands and heels just guiding the horse, went past the front two and the winning margin was an outstanding 2 1/4L.

It was all breathtaking and the sense of all it swept the Flemington crowd as they realised what they had seen.

Gorky Park (Montjeu) was a very good second with Teranana (Anabaa) staying on well for third, the margin 1/2L. The time was 2.38.35, the final 600m in 35.22. Danever was fourth, Get Square fifth and Fire In The Night sixth. Efficient paid $2.40 on STAB.

The next sensation came when Nick Williams, son of part-owner Lloyd Williams, declared that connections would pay a AAMI Victoria Derby entry fee of $132,000 by 5.00pm Saturday to enter Efficient into the Emirates Melbourne Cup over 3200m on Tuesday.

This draws parallels with Nothn` Leica Dane in 1995 who also commenced racing in August, won the Derby and then went onto the Melbourne Cup finishing second behind Doriemus (NZ).

"We will pay up and then check on how the horse is before we decide," said Williams.

Craig Newitt has been secured for the ride after appealing his recent suspension.

"I am just so wrapt for Lloyd," said trainer Graeme Rogerson.

"He has a long way to go to match Mahogany," he cautioned as well.

That may be, but the performance was very special and he is the most exciting horse to arrive on the Australasian stage in a long time. Curraghmore Stud`s Gordon Cunningham paid tribute to Rogerson saying that the trainer had purchased Efficient out of his 2005 yearling draft at New Zealand Bloodstock Ltd`s Premier Yearling Sale at Karaka without a buyer.

Eventually breeder Graham Hunt stayed in Efficient, along with MA and AJ Sellers, and Lloyd Williams purchased the remaining three-quarters of the horse. They were inspired decisions on part of them all and they have a star who is potentially capable of blazing on the international stage.

Hunt stood quietly by with immense satisfaction as the circus of the returning Derby winner went on, and while he has already had a Group I winner Avondale Cup winner Creil, there was nothing to compare with Efficient`s win.

"We did not think he had that much acceleration," said Hunt in awe.

For that matter no one else did as well

"Incredible," said Rodd.

"I was confident enough in the horse that I could ride him like that. Mr Williams wanted me to go to the fence as that is where the best going was," he said.

The win was the first for Efficient`s sire Zabeel in the Victorian classic, and his 35th individual Group I winner. The champion sire has produced yet another racing sensation and even in his 20th year his stock rise to further even further heights. There is not another living sire in Australasia that has his credentials and Efficient has stamped that with considerable authority.

Bookmakers reacted to the news that Efficient may run in Tuesday`s Emirates Melbourne Cup by placing him at $7.00 in their markets behind Tawqeet and Yeats at $4.50 and $5.50 respectively.

"An amazing run at his sixth start," said bookmaker Alan Eskander.

"The way he finished off suggests two miles (3200m) will not be a problem. He can settle in his races and finish off with an electrifying sprint. He could well be one of the future stars of Australian racing if he is not already," he said.

The first day of the VRC`s 2006 Melbourne Cup Carnival belonged to Efficient for a display of equine ability that that was simply brilliant.

ThoroughbredNEWS