But he will have few better chances than tomorrow when he lines up equal favourite The Diamond One in the $70,000 feature.
Anderton's best results have come with Personal Column (2005) and Lydgina (2006), who ran third in their attempts at Otago racing's biggest prize when Anderton trained with his father, Hec.`It's a race I've always wanted to win, because it's at your back door and it's the biggest race on your back door,'' Anderton said.
Anderton's personal preparation for The Diamond One's biggest test to date has been a bit unconventional, as he has been based in Auckland with The Solitaire and The Glitzy One as they chase group 1 glory in two weeks.
Instead, Anderton's wife, Claire, has been looking after the team, and Anderton praised the former jockey for her efforts in keeping the stable ticking over.
''She's been doing a terrific job, so they're in good hands anyway.
''[Claire] is really happy with the mare. I was talking to her this morning and she [The Diamond One] is very bright. She did a bit of work on Tuesday, and she worked really well on her own over 1000m and Claire was very happy with her.''
Anderton has not watched The Diamond One's slashing last-to-first victory at Wingatui on Boxing Day too many times, but it did convince him he has a very good horse on his hands.
''Good horses can get away with it, I suppose. It was a pretty good effort, and I was pretty rapt.
''It's probably another wee step up for her I reckon. It's a better-class field than the Hazlett, so she's got to step up a wee bit more, too.''
The 4yr-old will jump from barrier 11 but that does not concern Anderton too much with the masterful Chris Johnson in the saddle.
''She drew out a wee bit but it's a half-mile run to the first bend, so he's got a bit of time to sort it out anyway. That's his problem,'' he laughed.
Black-type races are not handed out for turning up though, and Anderton expects his biggest threat to come from another Wingatui-trained runner.
''It's got to be Natuzzi as long as he's come back from his travel and the race [at Trentham]. You don't run second in a group 1 by fluke. He's a good horse.
''But there'll be one or two others. El Chico doesn't know when to lay down, does he?''
TAB racing bookmaker Stephen Hunt said The Dia-mond One was the best backed runner shortly after the final field market opened yesterday afternoon, although she remained at her opening quote of $4.50, a price she shared with Natuzzi.
Anderton has three other runners in tomorrow's fields - Beegeeyt (race 1), La Girl (race 4) and Miss Three Stars (race 10), and all come into their assignments with good form behind them.
''Miss Three Stars hasn't done anything wrong this time in. Another stride and she would have been close to winning at Omakau.
''I think the mile at Wingatui will really suit her.''
