Lee Rutherford has gained the mount on Bunker in today's $100,000 Family Hotel WFA (1400m) at Otaki, replacing Opie Bosson who cannot make the 53kg weight.
Bosson had the mount when Bunker won the group one Bayer Classic (1600m) on the same course in November.
Rutherford, who has never ridden Bunker
on race day, has been one of the form riders over the summer, with 18 wins since December 26.
She has been particularly effective at premier graded meetings, with 15 premier wins this term, and only Lance O'Sullivan, with 23 wins, has had more success at premier meetings.
Rutherford has seven other mounts today, including rising sprint star Dragon Tiger, and Bunker's stablemates Ma Gloire, Stella Doro and Live By The Sword.
Bunker is unbeaten from three starts at Otaki and is the logical threat to Family Hotel WFA favourite Tit For Taat.
Bunker has been freshened since failing on a wet track in the Avondale Guineas on December 7 and is on trial for a trip to the Sydney autumn carnival.
The Sandtrap colt has already measured up in top company across the Tasman, finishing sixth in the Caulfield Guineas last October and possible assignments in Sydney include the A$400,000 Canterbury Guineas (1900m) and A$500,000 Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
Trainer Trevor McKee, who is also a part-owner, is happy with Bunker's fitness going into the race.
Stablemate Live By The Sword is an interesting runner in the St Leger Trial (2100m). The Volksraad three-year-old is stepping up in class but has had only six starts and is unbeaten in three middle distance attempts.
- NZPA
