Metal Bender claimed first blood in the Randwick Guineas (1600m) on March14 aided by a ground-saving ride from Danny Nikolic along the inside when others were steering wide.

While Waterhouse is more than confident Rock Kingdom can turn the tables on Saturday, the Metal Bender camp is also certain the 2000m will suit its three-year-old.

''He will be even better over more ground heading to the Derby,'' Allan Denham said on behalf of his trainer father Jack after the Guineas.

That is also Waterhouse's belief regarding Rock Kingdom.

''He is bred to do it,'' she said.

''He is the most impressive three-year-old in Australasia and is my Derby horse. The Rosehill Guineas will prove that.''

Metal Bender has recorded four wins and a second from his six starts while Rock Kingdom has five wins and three placings from nine trips to the track.

Among their opposition will be Coniston Bluebird, winner of the New Zealand Derby on March1, who has returned to Bede Murray's South Coast stable in fine fettle.

Murray targeted the New Zealand Classic three months before it was run and Coniston Bluebird lived up to his part of the bargain with a hard-fought victory over Down The Road.

The runner-up will be missing from the Sydney carnival with his Hong Kong owners deciding to take him there to continue his career.

''I'm more than happy with Coniston Bluebird,'' Murray said. ''It's great when you plan something and it all works out. He will run in the Guineas and go on to the Derby.''

The Allan Denham-trained Tobique, fourth in the Randwick Guineas, is also scheduled to line up in the Rosehill feature.

Tobique is raced by Geoff and Beryl White whose recently retired Eremein won the 2005 Rosehill Guineas-AJC Australian Derby double. Metal Bender is the $4.80 ACTTAB Sportsbet favourite for the Derby (2400m) on April11 with Coniston Bluebird at $17 and Rock Kingdom a $21 chance. AAP