KEY POINTS:
Stunin Cullen sent a shiver through rival trainers when he took his next step toward the $600,000 Woodlands Derby at Alexandra Park yesterday.
The unbeaten 3-year-old has all but dominated the Derby market since it was opened three weeks ago and you could see why by the way he dispatched some talented older rivals in a 2700m trial.
Showing perfect standing start manners, Stunin Cullen cruised along in front before being given more rein over the last 800m in a tick over 56 seconds.
He was never asked for his best and left driver Anthony Butt, fresh from his Hunter Cup win in Melbourne last Saturday, beaming.
"He felt great and will improve a fair bit with that," Butt said.
"He will race here [Alexandra Park] on Friday week and that should have him basically spot on for the Derby.
"We can't wait because it is huge money and I think we have the best horse."
Stunin Cullen's hold on favouritism for the Derby was slightly threatened early yesterday when last Saturday's Victoria Derby winner Captain Joy was brought into $2.80, just outside Stunin Cullen's $2.40 quote.
But after yesterday's trial Stunin Cullen was back into $2.20 and Captain Joy out to $4.
Speculation is mounting the NSW pacer may not make the trip across the Tasman, with a final decision to be made this weekend.
Meanwhile, Butt reports Hunter Cup winner Mr Feelgood has settled in beautifully in Queensland after arriving there to start his Interdominion build-up on Monday.
"He will have a week off and then start cranking up again," said Butt.
While Captain Joy may be doubtful for the Auckland Cup meeting, Alexandra Park officials were thrilled to get confirmation champion trotter Stig is definitely coming north.
The budding champion was awesome when winning at Addington 12 days ago and is set for his first meeting with northern star One Over Kenny, who has returned home after her fighting second in the Interdominion Final in Melbourne on Saturday.
The clash of the pair will be one of the highlights of the carnival, alongside the expected "wars" between Auckland Reactor and Changeover and the Lauraella-Joyfuljoy showdown.
Stig's trainer Paul Nairn was happy with how the big trotter has handled training right-handed and will also bring north West Coast bonus-winning trotter Red.
"Stig has come through his Addington win in great shape and I love coming to Auckland so I will be there."
