"Overall it was a terrific run," says trainer Lee Somervell.
"Trudy Thornton said she thought the addition of blinkers would probably benefit the horse. She said he had a good look at that other horse around the top bend.
"He's a colt and although he's not a sexy colt, he is quite aggressive and tried to nip that other horse inside him during the race."
One concern Somervell has is the possibility of very sticky footing. "I really don't know how he would handle those conditions."
One of the dangers, Secret Spirit, also missed a barrier trial through cancellation, but co-trainer Lance O'Sullivan feels the stable has been able to overcome any potential disadvantage.
"We let her have a gallop between races at Matamata the following day, so she's not too badly off.
"We are very happy with her, we feel we have her where she needs to be."
It will be a good training performance on the part of O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott if Secret Spirit wins in her first run in 10 weeks.
That last run throws a tip for this race - it was the 1400m Great Northern Foal Stakes at Ellerslie. Despite how tough the race proved to be - the 1400m in a snail-paced 1:33.76 - the filly was very strong in the final 100, working away to win by 2 lengths.
"We feel she will keep going the same way on Saturday," said O'Sullivan.
The testing footing may end up having the last say in this important race. If it suits the tough types, Lisa Latta holds a strong hand. Her trio, Five To Midnight, Miss Fi and Master Platinum, have been running well in the heaviest, most testing footing you could imagine in recent racing.
It took Five To Midnight a crawling 1:21.65 to win over 1200m on this track on June 19 and Miss Fi did only slightly better to record a similar pedestrian 1:18.90 for her winning run at Awapuni on July 4.
Master Platinum had his chance when finishing second to Miss Fi that day, but he is an improving type. Jonathan Riddell generally has the pick of the Latta rides and is engaged for Five To Midnight.
Lucky Eddie looked good winning on debut at Hastings, but there is no indication how he will handle the conditions predicted for tomorrow.
The official rating at Hastings was slow, but Lucky Eddie ran the 800m in a slick 47.54.
Sheradream looked good winning at Avondale two starts back then didn't get all the breaks when second to Amarula at Ruakaka.
She seems able to handle winter tracks and although she lacks a touch of size, she lacks nothing in terms of toughness. Her chance will depend on how the racing pattern on the day suits on-pace runners.
Stella Di Paco's Sydney owner Max Whitby will be on hand to watch his filly run on the recommendation of co-trainer Stephen Autridge who has had this race in mind for some time.
1: Stradivarius, 2: Secret Spirit, 3: Sheradream, 4: Five To Midnight.
Punting pointers
• Deserves this: Eyes Of Love, (R1, Ruakaka). Finished second in each of three starts last campaign - all good runs. First start since February, but should be ready.
• Had poor run last start: Close Up (R2, Ruakaka). Stuck in the slow lane along the rails at Te Rapa when resuming last start. Swamped only late and that should have tidied him up nicely for this.
• On the way to a good rating: Silencer (R3, Ruakaka). In two starts finished second to hugely talented stablemate Hasselhoof then bolted in here last meeting. Should do it again.
