Racing: Moulding a Sculptor win

Peter McKenzie has two queries around Sculptor going into Te Rapa tomorrow and he knows he might get the answer to only one of them.

McKenzie is hopeful rather than completely confident the talented 3-year-old is over the muscle problem he had when he flipped in a float accident when his trainer was recently in the South Island.

Tomorrow's effort in the $40,000 Garry Keith Motors Handicap should tell him that - provided Sculptor successfully handles the Te Rapa surface.

"I've had three or four starters at Te Rapa and not one of them has managed the sand-slitting surface. I'm pretty sure it has to do with their long strides and Sculptor has a long stride as well."

McKenzie is desperate to get a line on Sculptor's form before being committed to flying the horse to Australia for the Queensland Derby.

Sculptor showed his class when winning the Guineas at Ellerslie in the spring, but his form since has been patchy. The rain-affected footing tomorrow will certainly help.

Sculptor faces two very much in-form horses in Wilkie's Paint and Spectacular Icon.