The powerfully-built Scott Base is preparing to kick off a three-year-old season that could see him challenging for classic honours.

While it’s early days, connections of the son of Dalghar have a long-term eye on Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby following a promising juvenile campaign.

“He’s got a nice platform to build on and he’s already been a mile around Ellerslie,” said Johno Benner, who trains in partnership with Hollie Wynyard.

Before he was turned out, the chestnut finished a close third in the Listed Champagne Stakes behind Qiji Phoenix, since transferred to Chris Waller’s Sydney stable. The runner-up was Weather With You, who is on a path toward the Gr.1 VRC Derby.

Prior to the Auckland race, Scott Base had finished fifth in the Gr.3 Phoenix Park Classic and seventh in just his third appearance in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes after an interrupted run.

“He’s a serious horse with a great brain so we’re looking forward to him this season,” Benner said.

“He’s coming along superbly and he won’t be a maiden for long. Hopefully, we can get a win out of the way soon and that opens up a lot of options for a horse like him.

“He’s a big boy and the further he goes the better he’ll be.”