By MICHAEL GUERIN
Country Ways gave New Zealand's best 3-year-olds a starting and a beating at Addington last Friday but he will be an even better horse when he takes them on again in Saturday night's New Zealand Derby.
The Southland-trained pacer stunned punters and even driver Colin De Filippi with his come-from-last performance in the $50,000 Flying Stakes.
But even that has not been enough to earn him favouritism for Saturday's $100,000 classic, for which he is at $7 with the TAB's fixed odds.
Yet De Filippi says the sometimes awkward-looking southerner will be better this week.
"He had been staying at my stables for a week leading up to last Friday and we had a few little gear problems with him," said De Filippi.
"That meant he was a little rocky off the gate last week and by the time we had gone 100m we were near last.
"I was thinking what a disaster that was and how we would be hard-pressed getting any money from there but he simply outstayed them.
"With that race under his belt and a few minor gear alterations he should be better on Saturday."
But De Filippi isn't getting carried away with winning his seventh Derby in two years after sweeping six classics with Courage Under Fire two seasons ago.
"I think Saturday's race will be run completely differently from last week and luck in the running could play a bigger part. Whoever leads will be crucial."
Strong support for Victoria Derby winner Rare Gem yesterday saw him shorten from his opening quote of $3.50 to $2.75, with Young Rufus and Country Ways the drifters.
De Filippi, whose big-race form this season has been as good as any reinsman in New Zealand, finds himself in an unusual position looking towards another of Saturday night's features, the $50,000 Welcome Stakes.
He trains impressive newcomer Croker who could cost him the winning drive in the group two race.
Croker faces a second line draw, and probably can't win, but De Filippi has to drive him over likely favourite Sly Flyin, trained by Bruce Negus.
"While I like Croker I think Sly Flyin is the best juvenile in the country and he is definitely the one to beat on Saturday if he does things right."
Sly Flyin's reputation and draw should ensure him favouritism over northerners Jack Cade and All Hart but De Filippi warns the colt may not have the manners to take advantage of his handy starting position.
"I drove him at the Motukarara workouts last Saturday and he galloped for no reason 100m after the start.
"He can still be a bit funny like that, but if he gets it right this week he could sit parked and still beat most of these horses, because he is very tough."
* Hunter Cup runner-up Sailor's Corner is the latest defection from the Interdominions which start in Brisbane next Saturday.
He has suffered a leg injury and will be out for the rest of the season. New South Wales pacer Royal Des is also out, bringing Greek Gambit and Franco Lotsmore into the series.
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