Emerging New Zealand Derby prospect Bastille has an ideal opportunity at Te Rapa on Saturday to press his claims for a spot in the March 1 classic.

The son of Guillotine is currently well down the order of entry, but victory in the $30,000 Coltman Memorial Premier would leap frog him into the top 16.

“You can’t knock him for what he’s done so far and he’s been a bit of a surprise package,” co-trainer Andrew Forsman said.

“At the track he doesn't show a heap, but come raceday he switches right on.”

Bastille finished third on debut over 1600 metres and then showed his staying potential with a strong winning performance over 2100 metres at Te Teko.