Racing: Farrell hopes to pull rabbit out of the hat

Pukekohe trainer Glennis Farrell's dog Brother Rabbit is going to have to pull out the race of his life if he's to provide the north with victory in tonight's $20,000 New Zealand Derby at the Cambridge Raceway.

He's required to match a barrage of classy youngsters from the potent Dave and Jean Fahey Canterbury-based kennels. The Faheys dominated last Thursday night's five Derby heats, winning four of the 457m races.

Brother Rabbit has been provided with a glimmer of hope after being allocated the ace-trap to jump from.

"Very pleased with his draw as he's an out-and-out railer. He usually jumps okay and, hopefully, by holding the rail he can use his strength at the finish. Although he is still learning, he has the ability, he's fit and well so it's all over to him now," said Farrell.

The talented Winsome Opawa flew across the Cambridge surface in a slick 25.44 seconds for the Faheys.

"He races best on the one-turn tracks [like Cambridge] and is better from inside traps as he can be a bit tardy at the jump.

"On sheer ability Winsome Opawa is our leading chance," said Dave Fahey.

"Opawa Collar is a promising dog, who likes to run a wee bit wide. He can power up once he gets into a bit of space.

"Fifth Edition is probably drawn the best of my runners [eight]. He's a strong dog who has run some slashers in the past, so if he can get under way okay he well be competitive.

"Tatty Bogle will need a bit of luck, but he should be improved after last week's gallop because I thought he was a bit underdone going into it," said Fahey of the kennel's other runners.