Driver Jonny Cox might agree as the big son of Bettor's Delight tried to take him back to the stables through a closed gate during the warm-ups at Forbury Park last night.
But the 4yr-old got his mind on the job and duly delivered after he strode to the lead and won a c0 2200m mobile pace by two lengths over Imperial Ace.
Anderson rolled the dice by entering Tagatease in a maiden claiming pace last week in the hope of getting a penalty-free win and a confidence boost.
''I took a chance on it,'' Anderson said.
''He'd had a couple of ordinary races and I just knew they wouldn't claim him at $7000. I thought it was a good confidence race for him.''
The frame and the gait were there for Tagatease but something was not clicking upstairs earlier this season, which prompted Anderson to send the gelding to Mosgiel trainer Craig Buchan for some remedial work.
''I sent him round to Buchy's for boarding school and he just did a bit of work with him around there.
''It was a change of environment [that helped]. He put a headcheck on him and did a couple of things we don't do with him. Since he's come back from there, he's been a far better horse to work with. He'll probably go back round there at some stage.''
Anderson was prepared to risk the well-bred pacer in the claiming race at Gore as he owns him with his partner, Wendy Muldrew.
The couple bought Tagatease for $22,000 on the first day of the 2011 yearling sales at Christchurch - the same day they bought last night's 1200m heat winner, Highview Anwell, for $29,000.
Dexter Dunn, who drove Highview Anwell to the sprint win, thinks maiden winner Delightful Lana could be stronger and better as a 3yr-old after her victory in the 1700m fillies and mares' maiden mobile pace.
''She's quite a big filly, so she's going to grow into her frame,'' Dunn said.
''She lacks a bit of speed but she can run a quick half.''
Good manners helpTrainer Stu Campbell describes Waitoto Express as an average horse with good manners, but that combination was more than enough for the Pegasus Spur 6yr-old to win the c1 to c3 trot.
Campbell races the gelding with a group of friends including New Zealand Cricket chairman Stuart Heal. Des Minehan and Dexter Nind are also in the ownership.
Campbell has only Waitoto Express in work at the moment but is also preparing ''a couple of young ones'' at his North Taieri base.
The good night for horses for Otago connections began with Jelly Bean's win in the opening race, the non-winners' trot.
The Phil Williamson-trained Monarchy filly is part-owned by former Forbury Park trials commentator Keith Johnston, Heather Dunckley, Robin Smith, Craig and Raewyn Ross and Jan Holms.
Johnston paid credit to Jelly Bean's breeder, Dave Still, of Christchurch.
''All our horses come from him, and he's still a very big part of it.''
Holms is a vital cog in the wheel when the group's trotters, which include the open-class trotter Jag's Invasion, take a break.
''She looks after them when they're turned out.''
Williamson intends to test her out in the c1 grade before deciding whether to press on with her through the winter or send her to the paddock for a spell.
