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.

Leading Queensland nursery Eureka Stud will be kept busy at Magic Millions with a big draft of 27 yearlings and 10 are by the farm’s champion sire Spirit of Boom, who runs at an impressive 73% winners to runners with 30 stakes-winners on his tally.