Castlzeberg is booked to fly to Melbourne early Sunday afternoon.
The Castledale youngster goes into the Derby off the back of a gallant half-length second to Valbuena in the Avondale Guineas at Ellerslie two weeks ago.
"He's done fabulously well since that race," said Bob Vance yesterday.
"He went into the race a fraction below full fitness, because it was impossible to keep him at top for the Waikato Guineas (which he won), the Avondale Guineas then the Derby.
"With only 13 days between the Avondale Guineas and the Derby, the sensible thing was to let natural improvement bring him to his best and it has."
Castlzeberg is a speedy horse, but anyone who doubts his stamina, needs to look again at that Avondale Guineas electronic image.
Outside of Habibi it was probably the best staying effort in that race.
"He didn't get it easy," said Vance.
"He had a horse outside him half a length back early then at the 1000m a horse three wide had to go forward, but when it did it tried to take the front of my bloke."
Valbuena had a beautiful run up the rail to the home turn and dashed at Castlzeberg quickly at the 220m in the centre of the track.
Valbuena probably always had Castlzeberg covered, but the other horse fought back bravely, considering Vance believes he was one race short of full fitness.
"I can honestly say I've never had a horse in better condition going into a race," said Vance.
The roughly mid-field draw at No 11 will allow Opie Bosson the opportunity to cruise Castlzeberg over in front of the field to the rail without the possibility of being crossed had he drawn either of the three inside gates.
