The find of the pacing year South Coast Arden's plans may have changed but his standing start status won't.
Which means when the big fella makes a surprise appearance in the Flying Stakes at Ashburton on Monday he will remain on the unruly for what will be a crucial lead-up to the IRT New Zealand not just three weeks away.
South Coast Arden, who was brave on the track but beaten in the inquiry room at Addington last Friday, was originally likely to miss next Monday's Flying Stakes in preference to starting in the Kaikoura Cup, now to be held at Addington, the following Monday.
But trainer Brent Mangos decided with some of the northern stars like Copy That staying home this weekend to race at Alexandra Park on Friday and therefore miss Ashburton the Flying Stakes has become a good race for South Coast Arden to attack.
"I spoke to Brent and by starting next Monday he has more options," said caretaker trainer Natalie Rasmussen.