With the release this week of nominations for the Gr.1 Trackside NZ Derby, the focus intensifies for stamina signs amongst the three-year-old crop ahead of the March 7 Ellerslie classic and one of these promising up and comers claims Melbourne Cup winner Ethereal as his third dam.

Cambridge Stud’s Sword of State might be the one that got away from Newgate Farm with the Group I winning son Snitzel currently sitting on top of the Australian First Season Sires List.