A new trans-Tasman rivalry is brewing, featuring the rising star of NZ racing.
On Saturday, three-year-old gelding Catalyst and Aussie opposite Alligator Blood go head-to-head in the $1m Australian Guineas at Flemington.
The race will be the second leg of what's shaping as a thrilling trilogy of the turf, especially if their first meeting is anything to go by - an instant classic that set Australian racing alight.
And even in defeat, Catalyst's trainer Clayton Chipperfield couldn't have been more proud.
"For both of them put up an effort like that and a dog fight, neither of them lying down, it was amazing," Chipperfield told Newshub. "We left the course thinking we'd won the race."
Their fight down the Flemington straight has been all the talk across the Tasman - and these two gladiators are ready to go again.
Over the longer distance of 1600 metres this weekend, Chipperfield's confident the tables will be turned.
"To be honest, I think we should have the upper hand, but we've got to be confident, after his last run.
"All going to plan, with a bit of luck, we can give New Zealand and Australia what they're looking for."
Whatever happens Saturday, a grand final awaits in next month's $5m All Star Mile at Caulfield, where a win might be enough for former jockey Chipperfield to pull out his signature celebration - a backflip off his horse's saddle.
"I don't think so," he laughed. "I'm a bit top heavy now.
"I had rocks in my head back then - I wouldn't attempt anything like that now."
But Catalyst seems ready to flip the form guide at Flemington.
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