KEY POINTS:
Co-trainer Garry Newham expects the real San Bernardino to stand up for tomorrow's $65,000 Fairview Ford Slipper at Matamata.
Last start, San Bernardino finished seventh as beaten favourite in the Karaka Million.
It was not a bad run given that none of the on-speed runners could kick on in the closing stages and San Bernadino was only 2.75 lengths from Vincent Mangano.
But Garry Newham believes it was the right-handed Ellerslie track that cost the handsome colt dearly.
"I just don't think he's a happy horse right-handed, he seems to get lost," said Newham. "He's back left-handed and we should see something different."
San Bernardino had been explosive in his earlier form and Newham says the colt has trained on well. "He looks a million dollars and his work has been right up to his best."
The race is looking like a clash between San Bernardino, and local juveniles Captain Fantastic and Minstrel Court.
Captain Fantastic threw away a win on debut when he ducked sideways and lost Michael Coleman then raced too greenly when fourth on the same track. His turn came with a game win in the Wakefield Stakes at Trentham.
a Minstrel Court has been on a learning curve, but has still managed to win two of his three starts.
