Racing: NZ Derby winner is primed for Guineas

Trainers Leon Macdonald and Bede Murray will oppose each other in tomorrow's Rosehill Guineas but are united in the knowledge they have the two proven distance horses in the field.

Many of the others are stepping up to 2000 metres for the first time, while the Macdonald-trained Rebel Raider and Murray's Coniston Bluebird have the points on the board.

Rebel Raider won the Victoria Derby (2500m) in November while Coniston Bluebird claimed the 2400m New Zealand classic at Ellerslie.

It will be the fourth start this preparation for Rebel Raider and Macdonald believes he is ready to show his best after a couple of Sydney runs that have not impressed punters.

"The pace won't be as hot over the 2000 metres and from barrier six he gets the chance to race how he wants," Macdonald said last night.

"I expect him to show something of his true form over the longer distance.

"He got too far back from the outside draw in the Hobartville and because he drew barrier 17 in the Randwick Guineas we went forward on him and that didn't work.

"This time he gets things more his own way."

Race jockey Clare Lindop made a flying visit to Sydney to ride Rebel Raider on Tuesday and reported that she was happy with his final piece of fast work leading into tomorrow's feature.

Murray has similiar expectations with Coniston Bluebird.

"He travelled back from New Zealand extremely well and I'm happy going into the race," he said.

"He needed to have a start before the AJC Derby and whether or not he can win, I'm not sure. But I've got no worries about the distance."

Randwick Guineas winner Metal Bender was the A$3.20 favourite with TAB Sportsbet last night.

- AAP