Otaki trainer Karen Zimmerman hopes to make an impression at the premier meeting at Tauranga on April 9.
She will be represented by Rodin who will tackle the $100,000 Japan Trophy (1600m) while stablemate The Drummer will make his middle-distance debut in the $35,000 Bay Of Plenty Cup (2170m).
The
Drummer on Saturday won the $20,000 Raukawa Cup (1600m) at Otaki and Rodin had a rocky run when unplaced in the Easter Handicap (1600m) at Ellerslie.
The Drummer, a 5-year-old, was recording his first win beyond 1400m on Saturday but Zimmerman is confident the Victory Dance gelding will cope with long distances.
"He's always been a bit weak - and he'll be better again next season - but he's getting stronger and is a lot more settled now," Zimmerman said.
If he measures up well at Tauranga, The Drummer will carry on to the $100,000 Hawke's Bay Cup (2200m) at Hastings on April 23.
The Drummer, who recorded his first five wins in succession, led all the way on Saturday for Jade Rogers to bring his career record to seven wins and seven placings from 19 starts.
It was his first win this season but his lead-up form had been strong and he was a $2.15 favourite.
He had finished third, behind Kristov and Silky Red Boxer, in the group three Thompson Handicap (1600m) at his previous start and that looked good form after Kristov and Silky Red Boxer ran second and fourth respectively in the Easter Handicap, a few minutes before The Drummer's race.
Rodin was a victim of the interference in the Easter caused by Kristov in the straight.
"He was at the end of the chain and was just about turned around," Zimmerman said. "It was disappointing because I had been very pleased with him going into the race and Darryl [rider, Bradley] was adamant he should have been in the money.
"Darryl said he was going forward at the time and travelling beautifully."
- NZPA
