The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Frontman (NZ) (Makfi) will contest the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on March 6, with leading jockey Danielle Johnson booked to ride.
A full brother to multiple Group One winner Bonneval, Frontman finished a good second behind Tia D’Or (NZ) (Tavistock) in a Rating 65 event over 2100m last Saturday.
Connections had considered bypassing the New Zealand Derby in preference for the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m). Frontman is rated a $21 chance in a market headed by Rocket Spade (Fastnet Rock) at $3.20 and Montre Moi (NZ) (Showcasing) at $3.80.
The complection of the New Zealand Derby changed dramatically on Wednesday with news that rising star three-year-old filly Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel) would not be a late entrant for the Derby, plotting a path towards the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on March 20 instead.
