Matamata trainer Graham Richardson is pleased with his Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) winner Sponge Bob heading into Saturday’s Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m), with the lightly-tried three-year-old having his first look at Ellerslie this morning.

O’Reilly's top class son Alamosa sired his third G1 winner on Saturday when his 4YO son On The Rocks won the Herbie Dykes Stakes at Te Rapa.

Outsider Sponge Bob ($34) upset predictions when he produced a dour staying effort to take out the Gr.2 Warren Storm Lifebrokers Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa in the hands of replacement rider Troy Harris.