Recent Te Akau acquisition Augustus will run in Saturday’s Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2200m) at Doomben with his long-term goal laying further afield.

“He was purchased with the 2019 Singapore Derby in mind,” David Ellis said. “Augustus is destined for our stable in Singapore where Mark Walker will guide his future career.”

The Te Akau principal bought the son of Snitzel for A$210,000 at an on-line auction last week.

“Chris Waller has told me that the horse is right on target for the Derby and he will head to Brisbane on Wednesday where he will be based in their Queensland stable managed by Paul Shailer,” Ellis said.

“Brenton Avdulla has been engaged for the ride – he is on fire leading the Sydney Jockeys’ Premiership with 79 wins this season, 13 ahead of Blake Shinn.”

A half-brother to the Group One winner Roman Emperor and Group One producer Rios, Augustus has won three of his 11 outings, including a last-start success over 1900m at Canterbury.