The connections of Secret Ambition are approaching Saturday’s Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) with more hope than confidence.

However, one thing trainers Bruce Wallace and Allan Peard are sure of is the Jimmy Choux colt’s ability to run the trip.

“He’ll stay all day, the distance isn’t a problem – we just have to see if he’s good enough,” Peard said.

Secret Ambition was placed in the Listed Auckland Salver (2100m), but has since finished well back in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) and the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m).

“We were a bit disappointed with him in the Million, we thought he’d run on better and in the Guineas he was ridden upside down,” Peard said. “He’s better ridden a bit colder.”