Racing: Army of advisers for Purton

Matamata trainer Andrew Scott is recommending Hong Kong-based Australian jockey Zac Purton takes a headache pill before walking around Ellerslie for the first time this afternoon.

Purton lands in New Zealand this morning for the ride on Corporal Jones in tomorrow's Telecom Derby.

Because of its undulating surface, Ellerslie can be a difficult track to learn for those unfamiliar with it and this afternoon's walk will be crucial.

Advising Purton will be former jockey Lance O'Sullivan, who won the race on Surfers Paradise in 1990 and, again, on Popsy in 1993.

O'Sullivan was the former trainer at Wexford Stables, which houses Corporal Jones and maintains a role which includes riding Corporal Jones in his gallops.

Also doing the talk/walk will be bloodstock adviser Robbie Hewetson and Saturday morning The First Call panellist Stu Laing, who can talk under water.

"Zac has got plenty of advisers. He'll have a headache when those three finish advising him," said Scott.

"He should take a packet of aspirins with him."

One thing Scott is definitely happy with is Corporal Jones' fitness.

"He's as healthy as we can get him," he said.

Purton will be helped in getting his eye in for the big classic with two earlier mounts, Keffiya in Race 2 and Attalla in Race 6.

Both are good chances. Keffiya pulled too hard when unplaced at Ellerslie two weeks ago and Attalla finished a brave second to Coup Align in the South Island last start.