Racing: Mandela fit for Derby

Richard Otto is looking forward to having his first stable runner in the New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie today.

The Te Awamutu-based trainer has a pretty good winning chance in the $500,000 event - Mandela.

The three-year-old Ebony Grove-sired gelding unleashed a blistering home stretch sprint down the outer of the track at Ellerslie to win the $70,000 (Group Two) Avondale Guineas on December 12.

Mandela is unbeaten in two race starts at Ellerslie.

"I was really happy with the effort from Mandela in the Avondale Guineas because it was his first start against the better performed three-year-olds and he won very easily," said Otto.

"I had trained him up to run a big race and he delivered in his first start beyond 1600 metres.

"The way he ran out the 2000 metres of the Avondale Guineas leaves no doubt in my mind that he'll run out the 2400 metres of the (NZ) Derby.

"This will be another step up in class and distance when he runs is the Derby but I'm sure he'll go a very good race.

"A lot of trainers don't know if their horses will see out 2400 metres but I can only be guided by what my jockey tells me and how the horse performs on the racetrack.

"Gary [Grylls, regular jockey] was very happy with the way Mandela ran out the distance in the Avondale Guineas and that's a good guide. He trained very well on Wednesday morning and I've got him as fit as he can be heading into the Derby."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY