KEY POINTS:
It's fair to say I'd rather be putting the finishing touches on a leading Mercedes Derby runner than attempting this less familiar role of racing scribe.
Since downscaling my operation three years ago and developing a clientele of predominantly filly buyers, unfortunately I have no runner in what is undoubtedly our blue riband event.
But since sharing the experience of training 1986 winner Tidal Light with my then senior partner Jim Gibbs, I still feel to this day that to own, train, breed or ride a Derby winner must surely be the pinnacle for everyone entering this highly demanding but hugely exciting industry.
I've been privileged to train another three winners, namely Roysyn (1995), Zonda (1997) and Hades (1999) - and had the same amount of New Zealand Derby placings.
Life-changing is how one of my successful owners described the experience of winning at Ellerslie, and I would venture to say the others would come up with similar superlatives, such is the esteem in which this great contest is held.
I must admit it was with some reserve that I witnessed the change in Derby dates which, combined with the whole carnival week of the Auckland Cup, has now led to a week of sporting excellence.
My main concern was that if you have a superstar, the new timing does make it harder to have a go at the Australian Derby in Sydney.
But looking at this year's field, racing has been the winner. It's a good field; there really is nothing missing and the winner could come from anywhere.
I'm sure, looking down the list of trainers represented, that each and every one of them has left no stone unturned in the quest to add their names to the roll of honour.
It is with the utmost patience that Derby runners need to be cajoled and cotton-wooled to get the often still mentally and physically immature animals to peak to run the 2400m trip.
Interesting also to observe the involvement of our friends from across the ditch, surely no better proof of the importance and recognition of the race.
Without a runner, I've taken a little less interest in the lead-up form, but to complete this column without giving my opinion on the outcome would be selling the reader short - be warned though, I'm not a tipster.
Stamina and luck in the running are two very essential ingredients in winning a Derby and for this reason alone my first selection is Fraser Auret-trained Mettre En Jeu. He is by a sire (Montjeu) proven at the English equivalent and with his forward racing style he's not going to need as much luck as others farther back in the field.
The filly Veloce Bella gets my next nod. She has been beautifully handled by Mark Brosnan, who like Fraser also hails from one of New Zealand's better known racing families.
While she has had a busy season, she appears to be approaching the race at peak and has any amount of class. If there is any question mark, it may be her stamina.
For my third pick I like the Australian horse Redoute's Dancer. Having combined successfully with Vinny Colgan to crack the race on three occasions, I know there is no better man for the job.
Vinny's coolness and judgment will be an essential ingredient. Again, if there is a doubt, it's that on breeding alone the horse appears to lack stamina, but he is peaking on time.
I run the risk of copping flak for leaving out Pasta Post, who is part-owned by my officer manager of 12 years Joy Robinson, but you can't pick them all!
Without a Derby runner my main sites at present are toward the Oaks with Grand Ballare and Shira.
With Shira especially I feel I'm really well represented. She'd get the 2400m tomorrow, has got a great attitude and is thriving at the moment.
She's my best win chance over the Ellerslie carnival. Hopefully she'll prove me right in her final Trentham lead-up in the Ellerslie Oaks on Wednesday.
* Roger James is a Cambridge trainer
