KEY POINTS:
It is hard to argue with Steven Reid's logic for jumping off Montecito in tomorrow night's $200,000 Woodlands Northern Derby.
The outstanding trainer has added another string to his bow in the last year, compiling an amazing strike rate as a driver, often landing winners at big odds.
But with the huge money up for grabs in tomorrow night's Alexandra Park classic, Reid will hand the reins to Ricky May, who also drives stablemate Monkey King in the free-for-all pace.
The reason for the Derby change?
"Quite simply the best drivers usually win the biggest races," said Reid.
"I believe I am up to doing the job but it is the top guys, the Ricky Mays and Tony Herlihys, who win the derbys and the cups most of the time.
"So why would I leave a guy like Ricky sitting in the stand when he can be doing the job for us?"
Montecito was slightly disappointing in his Derby prelude last Friday but has improved since and gives Reid a shot at defending the event he won last season with Monkey King.
"He will need a bit of luck but I am willing to forgive him for last week because the tempo of the race didn't suit him.
"All we need is some luck and Ricky is the sort of guy who is good at being lucky in big races."
Gotta Go Cullen remains the Derby favourite, tightening to $3.20 while Changeover has also come in, from $3.80 to $3.40.
That has seen Aussie hero Lombo Pocket Watch drift to career best odds of $5.50 and he could start even longer on the tote tomorrow night.
May will continue his association with Monkey King in the free-for-all pace, the final lead-up to next Friday's $400,000 Auckland Trotting Cup.
He has been back in Reid's care for a week after a brief southern campaign and is thriving.
"His work this morning (Wednesday) was about as good as it has ever been," said Reid. "It looks a tricky race and, obviously, the Cup is his main aim but I wouldn't be surprised to see him win it."
The latest TAB markets. - Woodlands Northern Derby, $200,000, 2700m: $3.20 Gotta Go Cullen; $3.40 Changeover; $5 Fergiemack; $5.50 Lombo Pocket Watch; $18 Days Of Courage; $21 St Barts, Montecito; $25 Ebony Gem; $35 Christian Warrior, Lombo Mandingo; $41 Kamwood Warrior; $61 Costalot; $81 Tuapeka Tiz.
Auckland Trotting Cup, $400,000, mobile, 2700m (March 9): $5 Flashing Red; $5.50 Pay Me Christian; $6 Monkey King; $7 Awesome Armbro; $7.50 Waitfornoone; $11 Napoleon; $12 Alta Serena; $15 Winforu, Sly Flyin, Foreal; $21 Mi Muchacho; $25 Badlands Bute; $41 Classic Line; $51 Classic Cullen, Mr Bojangles; $81 Jag Star; $101 Nicky Hanover; $151 Nick Off Holme; $301 Presido.
