Racing: Trio tipped to step up at Ellerslie

Martial Art will be the favourite tomorrow and a deserved one. Photo / Supplied

Tomorrow's $45,000 Mad Butcher Guineas Prelude at Ellerslie is one of the season's most important races.

It's when the 3-year-olds step from 1600m to 2100m for the first time.

It's about identifying Derby prospects.

Not all the 3-year-olds that attempt this race measure up to the staying potential expected of them.

Champion Matamata trainer Mark Walker is in no doubt his trio of Martial Art, Zarzuela and Gordon Roberts will step up to be counted.

Martial Art will be the favourite tomorrow and a deserved one. Mark Walker doesn't try to hide his admiration for the son of Tiger Hill.

"I like the horse. He just keeps stepping up - when you raise the bar he matches it.

"He's such an unassuming type, he just gets about his business."

Martial Art drew wide on debut at Taupo and paid the price, finishing third and has won his two subsequent starts.

The last, at Ellerslie two weeks ago, was impressive. He has a different action and way of going - perhaps the sign of an exceptionally talented young galloper.

Walker is delighted the distance has been increased for all three of his runners.

"Martial Art will love it because he's out of a Sadlers Wells mare and was bred by Pencarrow Stud.

"He's bred to run a Derby distance and will."

Walker feels the same about Zarzuela, who got back and made a little ground late in the group one Levin Classic two weeks ago.

"She didn't hit her right tempo that day and didn't recover from it.

"She's a staying filly in the making and will love this distance."

Walker rates his third runner Gordon Roberts more of a head-scratcher.

"He's an interesting horse, I haven't quite clicked with him yet.

"He's got a few tricks, but I'm slowly ironing them out. He could come out and bolt in and it wouldn't be a surprise because he's got the ability.

"He's a work in progress and if we can get through to his head he'll really make it."

Haere Mai made an impression when third to Martial Art and Green Cash at Ellerslie two weeks ago.

The way he sat second to the home turn and fought hard to be beaten two half lengths suggests staying potential and he is another who should appreciate the rise in distance.

The ability to claim apprentice allowances is going to help classy sprinter Richard Beymer make it three on end in the $20,000 Suburban Newspapers Community Trust 1200 tomorrow. Richard Beymer carried 57kg then 58.5kg to stunning, career-best wins in his last two starts and apprentice Alvin Ng's 3kg claim will bring him in at 57.5kg for this.

"He's in the best shape of his career," said trainer Jakki Good.

Salvatore will be a big danger. He was the victim of circumstances when second at Ellerslie last start. He was still last with 300m to run and stormed home to be a long head from Miss Raggedy Anne under 58kg.

This is a step to open company but the drop to 53kg will more than compensate.

Beautiful Girl has drawn No 1 and should be able to take advantage of it.