KEY POINTS:
It took exactly 28.1 seconds for leading driver Todd Mitchell to change his opinion about leading 3-year-old Gotta Go Cullen.
Mitchell combined with the colt to score an impressive front-running victory at Alexandra Park on Friday night.
The Waikato horseman was initially disappointed with Gotta Go Cullen when taking over the driving duties from Nicole Thorn.
"I wasn't totally convinced about this horse after my first drive on him as he led and just plugged up the home straight when we were beaten," said Mitchell. "However, Sue Martin has done a great job as the horse has had a little break and put on some weight and has come here tonight in superb order.
"He looks better and he felt a lot better as well and when I tapped him with the whip 400m from home he really jumped on the engine and ran the race out strongly."
Mitchell is now looking forward to the Great Northern Derby and clashing with Changeover and Fergiemack.
Gotta Go Cullen was last season's champion 2-year-old but has struggled to recapture that form. Now Mitchell is predicting further improvement leading into the GN Derby.
"He showed me a lot of speed on Friday night when I asked him for an effort and I think he's going to be a good Derby drive.
"I don't think he has to lead to win his races as he gives me the impression that he could easily sit in the field and work into a race when I need to. It's good to be on a horse that can make his own luck."
Gotta Go Cullen covered the 2200m in 2:44.9 (mile rate 2:00.9) with the closing 800m cut out in 56.9s defeating fellow GN Derby contenders Montecito and St Barts.
Mitchell believes the addition of a set of half-winkers will also sharpen Gotta Go Cullen's sprinting ability in the home stretch.
