Racing: Mountain View may hit peak in AJC Derby

Mountain View had a group one initiation last year but Sargent conceded the horse wasn't ready for the Spring Champion Stakes. Photo / Thinkstock

It's only midweek level racing at Canterbury today, but trainer John Sargent expects to learn if Mountain View can figure in one of the autumn's best races.

Mountain View will be trying to make a winning transition from provincial ranks while promoting his claims for something much better when he contests the TAB Ipad App Handicap (1900m).

The 3-year-old is in next month's ATC Australian Derby for which he is a $51 chance after beating older horses at Newcastle.

He takes on his own age group under benchmark conditions in a Canterbury race which includes a quartet of ATC Australian Oaks entries: Amanpour, Quayside, Martilago and Price War.

"It's a strong race and Amanpour will be the one to beat," Sargent said.

"But my horse is fit and well and hopefully he can go there and keep moving the right way and see what level he can get to."

Mountain View had a group one initiation last year but Sargent conceded the horse wasn't ready for the Spring Champion Stakes.

The gelding finished at the back of field behind Complacent but Sargent hasn't been put off by the 8-length defeat.

"He was mentally immature that day," Sargent said.

"He pulled a bit and ran around when the occasion got to him, so hopefully he's grown up a bit now," Sargent said.

Adding strength to Mountain View's Canterbury claims will be a form line through Saturday's Sydney winner Lucky Liaison.

Lucky Liaison finished 1 lengths behind Mountain View in the minor placing at Newcastle before winning in soggy conditions at Rosehill.

Blake Shinn rode Mountain View with precision at Newcastle and he keeps the ride from a wide barrier today.

Amanpour is shooting for her second midweek win in a row after an easy Randwick victory forced her Oaks quote into $26.

- AAP