This much anticipated G2 3yo mile prior to the race turned out to be a fizzer as run slowly and became a sprint home in effect so proved nothing in the big picture. Volkstok’n’barrell did however show once again he has weapons to counter track bias and sedate run races as he went up third the outer early from a wide draw. He had a dream trip for rider Matthew Cameron and once drawn out to detonate the run home got the lead quickly and almost too soon. The long strider had one danger at the 200m in Rockfast but fought him off like a swatted fly the closing 100m. The winning time of 1:36.21 was poor and showed how docile the G2 race was. The G2 mile the following event for older horses was run and won in 1:34.49 or over ten lengths superior and the last event on the card a Ratings 75 recorded 1:34.58 and was a similar amount superior alarmingly. Volkstok’n’barrell is being touted as the G1 NZ Derby winner already but harder tracks and extra distance need to be achieved first so until it happens it has not. His breeding does not inspire staying scope or hard track confidence but as we know when it comes to 3yo gallopers and stamina the key factor more often that not is superior ability at the time. Rockkfast had his chance and it will take some ride for him to turn the tables, so when you consider he is already G1 placed behind Turn Me Loose it does augur well for Volkstok’n’barrell. Kolonel Kev ran on well closer in and the visitor from the Central Districts is like many Lisa Latta trained runners targeting feature events in that they fly under the radar. Her strike rate in big races when travelling is very good. No Tricks the lone filly in the field ran well and she has scope for sure to match her stride and size. In a faster run race she can really unwind and a decent race awaits her this season for sure. Her final 50m was eyecatching and middle distance or further will not be a concern plus she should perform overseas if and when campaigned in Australia. The flashing light again was on the head of Margin Trader for the G1 NZ Derby as he found the line well late in a sprint home race. He needs to settle better but will in a stronger run race and a riding change could be imminent if he is once again settled so far back in trouble between runners. Margin Trader is like Volkstok’n’barrell by Tavistock and the current hotpot is out of a Volksraad (sprinter/miler) dam while this gelding is from a Zabeel (stamina inbuilt) dam and that screams 2400m. Taken The Liberty was slaughtered wide throughout and did well to be only beaten five and a half lengths but will be saying bring it on regarding a sleep. Elvis may be best left-handed but perhaps warrants one more chance clockwise in a proper run race before anything leaves the building. Highland Park got going the final 100m and had no chance from last the way the race was run. The G1 NZ Derby picture is still not set in concrete despite what the markets are saying and slow run races and sprint home events do not help prove or solve anything. Stamina seems to be an alien thing in races run at Ellerslie and it is a worry because come the day some pressure in a two-turn race is applied then cracks will open up like fissures from first to last. The first five home all have above average ability but until in a race where the blowtorch is applied we do not know what yet can run through the pain barrier. It is however excitingly all ahead.