Racing: Handsome Zulu looks likely

Flying Fulton has raced in better company than he meets today. Photo / Supplied

Two weeks ago, Matamata trainer John Sargent revealed high-priced yearling Maciano as a serious New Zealand Derby hope at Ellerslie.

Last week, it was stablemate No Emotion's impressive winning turn at Pukekohe.

Today at Matamata, Sargent could unveil a third maiden mile graduate worthy of a serious shot at the $2 million purse in March - Handsome Zulu.

After his last-start sixth in the Levin Classic, the Handsome Ransom gelding appeals as one of two anchors in an otherwise open $50,000 Pick6.

The other is Dadzadreamer in leg six. He had no luck last time out at Ellerslie and this field is definitely no stronger.

She's A Tomboy, who was also unlucky alongside Dadzadreamer that day, won her next race, at Pukekohe last week, paying $26.60.

Punters have an excellent opportunity to build up their bank for the Pick6 by backing local galloper Flying Fulton in the second race.

The Mark Walker-trained Flying Spur gelding has raced in better company than he meets today and with James McDonald in the saddle should prove hard to beat.

LEG ONE Via Veneto was rated good enough to tackle the group two Avondale Guineas last time out and went a boomer for seventh under the circumstances.

She was crowded at the start, forced to drop back to last, and then over-raced during the middle stages. Flushed wide on the turn, she was still making good ground on winner Joey Massino at the line.

This race looks considerably easier, though there are some emerging types, namely Charlotte's Sister and Better Together, worthy of multiple ticket inclusion.

LEG TWO It would pay to take three, maybe four to feel confident of progressing. With Opie Bosson in the saddle, a freshened Savoy must be one of those, despite having his chances to quit this class last campaign. He was targeted for races such as the 2000 Guineas earlier in the season.

The John Sargent-trained Full Choke ranged up to win at Tauranga but ran into a smart one in Dahoud. With a touch of improvement and luck from the 14 gate, he has to be tough to beat again.

Experienced trial performer Sentinel Peak should also be on the ticket; he ran the fastest 1200m heat in winning at Cambridge last month. Improving locals Timson and Big Grump Grae are value chances after their recent efforts.

LEG THREE The promising Suriyan has been a little expensive in her only two runs to date, but on her home track give the Andrew Scott-trained filly one more shot fresh-up from her first inside gate.

In another open maiden leg, Loistaa also has to be included in multiples. She's an improving sort who has shown a bit on her only two raceday runs.

LEG FOUR If you follow the drop-back way of thinking, Handsome Zulu should be an anchor here. He returns to maiden company after a slightly unlucky run for sixth in the group one Levin Classic over the same trip. He didn't get a whole lot of clear air on the fence that day so his effort to get within five lengths of winner Eileen Dubh was enormous.

Promising filly Mercury Mistress, rated a future black-type performer by her camp, offers some back-up for those on larger budgets.

LEG FIVE Another spread required with trials form clashing with little or no raceday performers. Hoss looks the pick of those runners we've already seen at the races.

He went two big efforts when first produced in the spring before failing on a slow track at Matamata on October 10. The Peter McKay-trained Cap Ferrat could be the best of the trial winners. He impressed when winning on an unsuitably heavy surface at Te Awamutu in September. Other chances include trial winner Storm Park, Cavalera, if she backs up from Saturday; and Rio Nugget, who should regain entry from the ballot but will need a little luck from her outside alley.

LEG SIX Rein in the spend again with the Graham Richardson-trained local Dadzadreamer.

The proven course performer has had no luck in his two recent middle-distance attempts, and only needs the breaks here to win his second race on the course.

Rider Sam Collett finished with a handful of horse under her when a close-up seventh at Ellerslie last time out in a stronger field than this. From the five gate, the pair should get a lovely trail and kick clear in the straight, as they did when clearing maidens easily over 1600m on the course last March.