Racing: Gold Ace dealt a winning hand for NZ Derby

Gold Ace is a top hope for the NZ Derby. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Gold Ace's arch-rivals could be his greatest allies in the $200,000 New Zealand Pacing Derby.

This year's classic, at Addington on Saturday night, has drawn one of the most even fields in the past decade, with the New Zealand 3-year-old crop lacking a definitive star, especially after being mauled by Sushi Sushi in the Woodlands Northern Derby series.

Of the Kiwi 3-year-olds, Gold Ace has been the best this season, overcoming a horror run to win the Sires' Stakes Final before also claiming the Sales Series Pace.

However, the wheels fell off his season in the Victoria Derby and he returned home to perform below his best in his Northern Derby heat, missing that final.

That could easily have seen his season totally derailed but it was put firmly back on track at Addington last Friday when Gold Ace stormed home for third against talented older opponents, suggesting he is close to his best again.

"That was a far better run and I am a lot happier with him now than I was previously," said trainer Steven Reid.

"I think he has a great chance this week but it won't be an easy race to win."

Gold Ace has drawn wide on the second line in the Derby and will undoubtedly have to settle back but that is why two of the few horses to beat him this season - Terror To Love and Major Mark - could actually aid him.

They are also drawn on the second line, suggesting there will have to be moves, which raises the realistic possibility of Gold Ace getting a tow into the race and the tempo suiting those coming from the back.

Under those circumstances, he looks hard to beat, although it is easy to make just as stern a case for Major Mark and Terror To Love.

Major Mark had the run but not the manners to win the Northern Derby, pulling too hard when trailing but his record at Addington is outstanding.

Terror To Love was superb in the Northern Derby, coming from last for a flashing third and had he drawn better he could easily have beaten Sushi Sushi.

Back on his home track he only needs an even break to be hard to beat.

Add in a bunch of in-form, talented 3-year-olds and this could be one of the best punting Derbys in years.

Other highlights tonight see Interdominion Trotting champion I Can Doosit a surprise starter in the New Zealand Trotting Championships, a race which looks his to lose under favourable conditions.

His trainer Mark Purdon also holds a huge hand in the 2-year-old feature, the Welcome Stakes, with Rockin Roll Lad and Alberto Contador against the powerful Cran Dalgety assault of Raging Ball, Texican and Orl Black.

Later, Power Of Tara gets his shot at some compensation for a strong but luckless Interdominions when he starts from the ace in the free-for-all.

WEEKEND WINNERS

Best bet: J Walker (Cambridge, tonight): No luck at Manawatu last week. This looks ideal and likes this track.

Drops in class: Windinherhair (Cambridge): Has been racing best juvenile fillies, gets ace draw tonight.

Repeat: I Can Doosit (Addington, Saturday): Should be even fitter for Interdominion win and perfectly suited.

Home track: Terror To Love (Addington): Enormous in Woodlands Derby and returns home with a great chance.

Deserved: Power Of Tara (Addington): Good but no luck at the Inters. Has developed the gate speed to use the ace.