Racing: Third time lucky for Derby colt?

Christen Me (6). Photo / NZME.

Not many horses get a third shot at Derby redemption, but Follow The Stars has the perfect draw to make it count at Addington tonight.

Last season's juvenile star has come back to the pack this season and finds himself in the rare position of having finished runner-up in two Derbys in the past eight weeks.

The first was when he sat parked outside Menin Gate in the Victoria Derby, while he led and was grabbed in the last stride of the Northern Derby at Alexandra Park three weeks ago.

His conqueror that night was stablemate Have Faith In Me, who is again the clear threat tonight, but with one glaring difference.

At Alexandra Park Follow The Stars led and Have Faith In Me trailed - tonight, Follow The Stars will almost certainly lead again but this time Have Faith In Me won't have his back.

With so little between them in their two clashes so far, Follow The Stars should really be able to hold on.

Trainer Mark Purdon confirmed to the Herald that Follow The Stars will be attempting an all-the-way win.

"He has the form to try that and while I will have Brilliant Strike on my back probably I won't be handing up just to put him three deep because my horse should be better than him," said Purdon.

"So he will be leading but whether that means he can hold off Have Faith In Me, I am not sure.

"Really, Follow The Stars should have beaten Have Faith In Me last week but this time I think we have more in our favour."

As good as their opponents are, it is hard to see the winner not coming out of the two favourites because both have the x-factor and will be forward in a race that looks to lack pressure.

Purdon is confident of success in another Derby tonight, with Prince Fearless a warm favourite in the NZ Trotting Derby.

"I couldn't be happier with him," he offers. "He is relaxed, trotting really well and has improved since running second to Monbet last start.

"I think if he leads it would take a very good horse to beat him."

With Harness Jewels winner Monbet drawn the second line, Speeding Spur appeals as the bigger threat to Prince Fearless.

He is developing into a fine stayer so the 2600m mobile will suit and his connections are happy with his work since his latest win.

Stent returns from his recent demolition job on Australia's best trotters and with barrier three and so much gate speed stands out in the Trotting Championships, even allowing for the depth of the field.

He is a stronger, tougher horse than last season and again should be able to control the race and win his way into the millionaire trotter's club.

Christen Me has the draw to continue his recent winning streak over Terror To Love in the free-for-all, while the Purdon stable also dominates the Welcome Stakes, with five of the eight starters.

Waikiki Beach has the better draw of the favoured pair and trialled brilliantly last Saturday but while Purdon drives him he still narrowly leans toward stablemate Chase The Dream.

"They are both good horses and I expect to be in front with Waikiki Beach but Chase The Dream is a real little pro who knows how to win."

Meanwhile, at Alexandra Park last season's Oaks winner Ideal Belle deserves favouritism for the Kumeu Stakes with Beyond The Silence the each-way value.