While Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh is currently inspecting yearlings on the Gold Coast, he will take time out to watch how one of his main Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) contenders in Ammirati performs at Ellerslie on Sunday as he takes the next step on his path to the blue riband classic on 7 March.

The son of Savabeel will have his first start over a middle distance when he tackles the Listed Trackside Gingernuts Salver (2100m) at the Derby venue, where he will start as one of the favoured candidates off the back of his last two performances.

Ammirati followed up on his victory in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki two starts ago with a late closing burst to take fifth in the Gr.2 Levin Classic (1400m) at Trentham, looking every inch a horse that now needs more ground to show his true worth.

Marsh agrees with that assessment and was quick to explain the unusual step he took when dropping his charge back in distance after the 1600m victory.

“It probably looks a little odd on paper in the way we backed him up at a lesser distance, but I’m delighted with how it all panned out,” Marsh said.

“The trip away was perfect for him and his last 200m that day when running fifth was just terrific. He travelled home well; ate everything we put in front of him and has really ticked along beautifully since then.

“He has been crying out for ground and gets in on Sunday, so we are hoping he can put another stamp in his Derby passport.

“We’ve also got Los Salsero in the race and he also looks like more ground will be his friend. He won nicely last start without being anything special, although he is very green and has a lot to learn.

“We have the blinkers on him on Sunday and I think they will really sharpen him up, so I’m hoping he can also make his way to the Derby as well.”

Marsh will kick off the day at Ellerslie with smart two-year-old filly Imperial Rose in the Stella Artois 1200 (1200m), with the daughter of Sword Of State needing a victory in the $55,000 contest to guarantee her place in the $1million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) on 24 January.

“She (Imperial Rose) has a lot going for her so we would love to get her into the Karaka Million as we think she can be very competitive,” he said.

“Her debut effort for second at Te Aroha was top class as it was a very heavy track that didn’t suit her at all.

“She has drawn well and will get a firm track to suit, so I’m hoping she can jump and put herself right in the action.

“It will only be thirteen days to the Karaka Million, so the timing is perfect while she will get that very important look around the Ellerslie track as it is a venue that can be very intimidating for young horses.”

Marsh is likely to have as many as ten runners in action on Sunday and is keen to see how several of his other runners perform including the unbeaten four-year-old mare Lady Impending, three-year-old gelding Oberon and consistent stayer Sinhaman.

“Lady Impending will face her biggest challenge after a pair of wins at Rotorua,” he said.

“She comes up against a very good field and will tackle 1400m for the first time. She certainly has ability but we will get a much better line of where her future lies with this run.

“Oberon didn’t handle a shifty track last time and getting back to a decent surface will be the key to him, so I expect to see an improved performance.

“I think Sinhaman is ready to win another race as he went a cracker in the Stella Artois Championship Final on Boxing Day and just needs that ounce of luck to turn the run of minor placings into a win.”

Marsh has hit his straps in recent months and currently sits in second place on the National Trainers premiership table with 45 wins (ten at stakes level) for the season as Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson set the pace with 63 victories (eight at stakes level).