While the heavy-hitters strut their stuff at Alexandra Park, the pressure is on New Zealand Derby aspirant, The Bachelor to show some form at Addington tonight.
The Tim Butt trained runner is the sole representative of the nominations for the Derby at the Addington meeting with a hoard of starters up in Auckland preparing for the Great Northern Derby next weekend.
Unsighted since running fourth behind All You Need Is Faith back at the end of September, the son of Art Major will be without doubt in need of a run as he heads to headquarters tonight.
But a solid trial a fortnight ago, in behind two other classy three-year-olds in Pacing Major and More The Better, will see the gelding strip a lot fitter than what many might expect him to.
Also in his favour is the current form of Butt, who has really hit the ground running in 2017.
He’s trained eight winners in the two months of the year as he slowly begins to rebuild to an impressive looking racing team.
He will have a double pronged attack on the seventh race tonight with The Bachelor joined by stablemate, Mt Hutt Harry who will be looking to make it back-to-back wins after a strong maiden victory last time.
Purchased out of the Methven stable of Danny McKendry for a modest amount after just one workout on the grass at Methven the son of Vintage Master looks to have plenty of scope, and a rather big future.
He will start from the pole spot in the mobile event with Kim Butt in the sulky while Craig Thornley will wear the Syd and Shona Brown colours on The Bachelor.
When the second round of withdrawals closed this week for the $200,000 Group One event, The Bachelor’s named was joined by 21 others who are still in the mix for the race.
The market is being dominated by the All Stars classy three-year-olds Vincent and Ultimate Machete with Tiger Thompson and More The Bettor the only other runners in single figures in the fixed odds market.
That could change at Alexandra Park tonight with some quality three-year-olds, including Tiger Thompson doing battle ahead of the Great Northern Derby.
The Brad Mowbray trained runner will take on fellow Derby aspirants; Jack’s Legend, Rakapuka Ruler, Stars Align, Pacing Major, Alta Intrigue, Billy Badger and Mongolian Hero while More The Bettor will take on the older horses in the most tightly assessed pace of the night.
Matt Markham
