All concerned with Australian raider Coniston Bluebird are expecting massive improvement in Saturday's Group One New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie.That spells trouble for his opposition in the 2400 metre race after his impressive warm-up in the Group Two Championship Stakes (2100m) at the same track on February 14 when he ran just over a length third to Down The Road.Trainer Bede Murray said he could not be happier with the horse since the run."He's done really well and we think he'll improve three

All concerned with Australian raider Coniston Bluebird are expecting massive improvement in Saturday's Group One New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie.

That spells trouble for his opposition in the 2400 metre race after his impressive warm-up in the Group Two Championship Stakes (2100m) at the same track on February 14 when he ran just over a length third to Down The Road.

Trainer Bede Murray said he could not be happier with the horse since the run.

"He's done really well and we think he'll improve three to five lengths on that run, he's going great," Murray said.

"It was a very strong effort and he really got going nicely late which is exactly what we were looking for.

"The plan was to see him run a place in the Championship Stakes, he's done that and now we know he's on track for the Derby."

It's not only Murray who is pleased with the three-year-old but also Scott Seamer who had his first ride on Coniston Bluebird last start.

The hoop is no stranger to New Zealand having won several Group One races there including the 2001 Derby on Leica Guv.

"He's a tricky horse to ride and now that Scotty's had a go on him he's expecting to improve massively from the experience," Murray said.

"He said he's got the horse worked out now and he's really looking forward to the race.

"Coniston is meeting pretty much the same opposition and we're confident he will more than hold his own against them."

Seamer has taken over from Coniston Bluebird's regular jockey Glyn Schofield who will ride Predatory Pricer in the Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill on the same day as the Derby.

Predatory Pricer, a half brother to sprint champion Takeover Target, is trained by Murray's son Paul and is one of the leading contenders for the AJC Australian Derby in April.

The New Zealand TAB has the Roger James-trained Jungle Boots as its $5.50 Derby favourite ahead of Le Baron at $6.50 while Coniston Bluebird is locked on $7 with My Scotsgrey and Down The Road.

In 2007, the Tim Martin-trained Redoute's Dancer crossed the Tasman to take out both the Championship Stakes and the Derby.