KEY POINTS:
Mission Critical took his last giant step towards possible $700,000 Mercedes Derby honours at Ellerslie yesterday morning.
The bold 3-year-old grew up physically when he downed Sir Slick in the $200,000 Whakanui Stud International Stakes at Te Rapa a couple of weeks ago.
To ensure he has made an equal mental improvement, the Moroney stable took Mission Critical for a gallop at yesterday's organised workouts at Ellerslie.
"I'm pleased we decided to do that," said Paul Moroney.
"He had a decent blow so he needed the trip up there, a gallop and the trip home.
"You could guess that because he's been sluggish at home."
Working up against the rail on the course proper with $101 Derby outsider Butwaittheresmore, Mission Critical ran the last 1400m of the gallop timed by his co-trainer in 1.24.8, the 600 in 35.
"He was just starting to be pushed along the last 100m, so the work will improve him.
"With Michael Coleman aboard he probably carried 5kg to 6kg more than Butwaittheresmore, who had Trudy Thornton on his back."
In the Great Northern Guineas Mission Critical disorganised the front part of the field when he jumped the crossing near the 1600m start leaving the home straight.
"That was another reason why we wanted him to have another look at Ellerslie," said Moroney. "He skipped it this time rather than jumped it, so he's learning.
"I think he's where he was on the Tuesday morning before he won the Whakanui [Stakes]."
Mission Critical joined Derby favouritism when he downed Sir Slick, but was replaced by $3 favourite Red Ruler after a dynamite performance to take the Championship Stakes.
He is now the $5.50 second favourite, one point ahead of the unlucky runner in the Championship Stakes Nom Du Jeu on $6.50.
Twenty-three horses took advantage of the opportunity to gallop on the Ellerslie course proper, which was described by jockeys as perfect.
"The track reading yesterday was 2.8 and this morning it was 2.6," said ARC racing manager Butch Castles. "The riders said 'bottle that track and reproduce it on Saturday morning for the races'. It would be nice if it was that easy."
Rain is forecast for some part of Saturday and the long-range forecast is unsettled weather on Sunday and the early part of next week. $700,000 Stella Artois Auckland Cup chance Spin Around galloped yesterday morning, hitting out strongly to confirm the form that saw him finish second to Cup favourite Prized Touch at Ellerslie on February 16.
Karaka Million runner-up Maureen Dorothy shaded stablemate Flair Flying and Mark Walker produced two of his best juveniles, Ransom Express and Noble Manor.
Ransom Express was there for a good look at the Ellerslie surroundings and Noble Manor did a more serious piece of work as they prepared for the $200,000 Ford Diamond Stakes on Saturday week.
Darley Plate runner Richard Beymer was impressive in his work and race rivals Magic Tryst and Who Knows also had strong hitouts.
* TAB odds for Saturday's Derby: $3 Red Ruler, $5.50 Mission Critical, $6.50 Nom Du Jeu, $10 Six O'Clock News, $11 Thumbs Up, $14 Pierre Joseph, Sircross, $15 C'est Le Guere, $17 Il Divo, $26 Avancer, Fritzy Boy, Pentour, Sing Song, Girl, Steel, $31 Prince Kaapstad, $51 Twoeezy, $60 Borrack, $101 Abitofado, Butwaittheresmore.
