New Zealand Racing, 2014-15

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Happy about this: http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...d-to-Derby-day

The more big races on Derby day, the better.

Speaking of the Derby, how about an early top 10?

1. Volkstok'n'barrell - he's been so impressive and really has to be at the top at the moment. Donna Logan says he's possibly the best horse she's ever trained. Habibi, Rising Romance, Durham Town...

2. Rockfast - he hasn't won since September but he's impressed me a lot with seconds in big races in his last two.

3. Tavy - she's desperate for more distance, and I can't wait to see her get it. Trainer Roger James has won the Derby five times.

4. McQueen - the first surprising one! I really like the look of this horse. He flew into second on debut, then scored a nice win second time out. The horse who ran second there, Suffire, won her next race by six lengths. This guy runs at Ellerslie on Saturday and we can get a better idea of him after that - he might move down or up!

5. Kolonel Kev - a really nice win at Trentham, followed by a strong third in the Guineas. Watching this guy closely.

6. Margin Trader - another one who's caught my eye with his last couple of races, and I think stepping up over more distance will be a big help for him.

7. Stratocaster - I was a bit disappointed with his last race, but we know how good this horse is. He's way too good to leave off this list. His trainer told me he was a bit fat going into that race, so hopefully he'll improve on it. The distance should be good for him too.

8. Sound Proposition - this horse scored a VERY nice three-length maiden win last time. I'll be watching him closely as he steps up in grade over the next few weeks.

9. Midnitemagicman - another Logan horse. He took a while to win his first race! But he's been stakes placed three times, he loves Ellerslie and he tries really hard.

10. Mongolian Khan - a stakes winner at Ellerslie, but I'm not totally convinced by that performance. Craig gave him a brilliant ride in front and basically stole the race, and I don't think he could do that in the Derby.