Cranbourne trainer Dean Howard has flagged next year's New Zealand Derby as a favourable option for rising star It'llbefantastic who has been the subject of increasing interest from potential buyers.The Fantastic Light three-year-old has made giant strides in the last month but a real test of his ability will come in Saturday's Group Two Sandown Guineas (1600m).It will be only his fifth race start and his third this campaign after winning a Pakenham maiden on October 26 and last Saturday's Liste

Cranbourne trainer Dean Howard has flagged next year's New Zealand Derby as a favourable option for rising star It'llbefantastic who has been the subject of increasing interest from potential buyers.

The Fantastic Light three-year-old has made giant strides in the last month but a real test of his ability will come in Saturday's Group Two Sandown Guineas (1600m).

It will be only his fifth race start and his third this campaign after winning a Pakenham maiden on October 26 and last Saturday's Listed Hilton Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.

"He hasn't left an oat all week and to me he looks like he has gone forward again," Howard said.

With Glen Boss suspended, Damien Oliver has seized the ride on It'llbefantastic in a bid to win his fifth Sandown Guineas.

"It is a real bonus getting Damien given all the jockeys that are out suspended at the moment," Howard said.

"It is a good race and there are a few horses rated well and truly above us, but you don't want to watch from outside the ring do you?"

He said that in the last week he had fielded interest from potential buyers but no firm offers had been tabled.

"People have been running around making ridiculous offers but until they actually come to fruition we will carry on," Howard said.

He said the Sandown Guineas would be the last run for It'llbefantastic before a month-long spell and an assessment of his autumn options.

New Zealand-born Howard is based at Cranbourne but would love It'llbefantastic to have a crack at the $NZ2.2 million Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on March 6.

"I think the further this horse goes the better," Howard said.

"Even before he won the Hilton I had the New Zealand Derby in the back of my mind for him but we will see what happens."

Howard took an unorthodox approach with It'llbefantastic when he flew him across the country to start his racing career in Perth last winter.

Always convinced he was a special horse he didn't want to risk him on rain-affected ground in Melbourne and the gelding finished third in his two starts at Belmont Park before returning home.

Howard said the trip had been the making of It'llbefantastic and that he was now switched on to racing.

"He has got a few clues and has taken to this (racing) like a duck to water," Howard said.

Early Sandown Guineas markets question It'llbefantastic's ability to win again with him at $15 with TAB Sportsbet.

Peter Snowden is expected to win the race with his two runners Kidnapped ($2.25) and Khas Kura ($4) heading the betting.