Glyn Schofield didn't like the appearance of Manawanui when he first laid eyes on him as a young horse, but he certainly changed his opinion of the gelding once he got on his back.
Trained at Warwick Farm by former school teacher Ron Leemon, Manawanui, a $45,000 yearling purchase, has earned favouritism for today's group one A$1.5 million Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington.
"It's a great thrill. Virtually from day one we've had an opinion of him," Leemon said.
"Glyn didn't have an opinion of him the first time he saw him but as soon as he came back from the barrier trial he had a big smile on his face and he said, 'I'm not getting off this horse,' and he has stuck with us so far."
Schofield, the successful South African who has been based in Sydney in recent years, confirmed Leemon's comments.