MacO'Reilly has an unbeaten record in five starts over 2000m to back his claim in the $200,000 weight-for-age Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on Saturday.
MacO'Reilly is also proven at wfa with wins in the International Stakes at Te Rapa, New Zealand Stakes at Ellerslie and Awapuni Gold Cup, all over 2000m.
Co-trainer David Haworth said MacO'Reilly "felt fabulous" after riding him in work on the beach at Foxton yesterday.
MacO'Reilly has had two starts since returning from an unsuccessful spring campaign in Melbourne.
He ran fourth in the Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on December 5.
"He's really gone on the right way," Haworth said.
Sir Slick won the Zabeel Classic in 2007.
He is performing generously as an 8yr-old and won the Tauranga Stakes, a wfa 1600m, last month.
The 3yr-old Monaco Consul is a $3.50 favourite with the TAB.
He has not raced since he won the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on October 31.
He has drawn 14 which may mean he has to be restrained early to avoid covering extra ground.
His trainer Paul Moroney was not concerned when Monaco Consul was off the bit and trailing stablemate Prince Of Wales at the end of a gallop between races at Matamata yesterday.
The last 600m was run in 34.7.
Blood tests received on Tuesday suggested Monaco Consul needed a solid workout.
"He definitely needed it," Moroney said.
Reese Jones rode Monaco Consul yesterday and in his first win.
"He's casual and laid back and needed the gallop," Reese-Jones said.
Captain Moonlight (1997) is the only 3yr-old to have won the Zabeel Classic since it was run in 1987.
Darren Beadman rode the Stephen Autridge-trained Captain Moonlight.
Corey Brown, the Sydney jockey engaged to ride Monaco Consul, requires a clearance from a chiropractor.
Brown was stood down from his riding commitments at Canterbury yesterday.
He visited a podiatrist who treated a foot injury he sustained at the Rosehill trials the previous day.
Racing NSW steward Greg Rudolph spoke to Brown.
"He's got pain from an old hip injury and he will go to a sports chiropractor to realign his hips," Rudolph said.
"The foot injury has brought to light other issues and I will discuss the situation with him on Thursday."
• Red Ruler looked in good order for the Zabeel Classic when he worked between races at Matamata.
Red Ruler hinted at a return to winning form with a fast-finishing fifth over 1400m at Te Rapa on December 12.
Red Ruler has not won a race since the Lexus Stakes at Ellerslie in February 2008.
His placings include a second to Nom du Jeu in the AJC Derby that year and a second to Princess Coup in the Kelt Stakes.
Red Ruler was allowed to ease down by rider Mark Du Plessis and finished six lengths clear of Minqar Qaim over 1200m in 1.12.7, the 1000m in 60.8 and 600 in 37.2.
