By MIKE DILLON
Not many horses use a race like the Easter Handicap as a lead-in to other events, but Ego Fast is still a chance despite that.
The underrated Pukekohe stayer rates as perhaps the best longshot in a field where at least one slot in the trifecta is expected
to go to an outsider.
"He's looking to go a bit further than 1600m next start," said Ego Fast's trainer, Marty Craze.
"He'll be running 2000m in Sydney next weekend."
Ego Fast suggested he could rate consideration in the Easter when he finished two lengths away in sixth place behind Millennium in the $100,000 Japan/NZ Trophy at Tauranga last start.
"He was checked early and each of the horses who finished in front of him that day appreciated the rain-affected footing, which he did not," said Craze.
Ego Fast's close third to Sedecrem at Te Aroha two starts back gives a hint of his chances at Ellerslie.
That day Ego Fast carried 57kg, and Sedecrem, with an apprentice allowance, 54kg.
The margins were a nose and half a length and this time there is a 4kg swing in the weights in favour of Ego Fast.
On the other hand, Sedecrem was resuming from a break at Te Aroha and will be greatly improved in fitness for this.
Ego Fast's wide barrier (No 20) does not look good, but since he is a back runner that may not be the disadvantage it would be to others.
Millennium finished only sixth in that Te Aroha race, but was badly hampered in the closing stages.
He showed the fitness benefit of the race when he lasted well to win at Tauranga at his only subsequent outing.
Millennium is a toff in the wet, but he can handle all types of surfaces these days and the footing at Ellerslie on Saturday should be perfect for him.
He won over this distance at Tauranga, but will be even fitter this time.
