The Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained galloper produced a huge effort to win last year’s edition of the 1200m listed feature despite being stuck three wide throughout.
The scary news for the connections of his 12 rivals today is the horse will return in even better shape this year.
"His work has been exceptional," Matthew Pitman said.
"We have obviously always had a high opinion of the horse and the times he has run in trackwork have been as good as probably anything we have ever had, really."
The biggest factor for Sensei’s backers to consider today is what condition the Wingatui track will be in today.
The course was rated at slow 7 yesterday, which would not be ideal for the 5yr-old.
The Metservice yesterday forecasted a fine morning, with fine spells with afternoon or evening showers for the Dunedin region.
Sensei was excellent in his first run for the season in Pegasus Stakes at Riccarton on a good3 surface.
He then ran a fast-finishing third in the Stewards Stakes when held up at a vital stage on a dead5 Riccarton track.
Any improvement in the Wingatui track would be welcomed with open arms by Sensei’s camp.
"He showed that when he got a rock hard track in the Pegasus [Stakes]," Pitman said.
"But, the second day of cup week was a different story when it was wet."
"If we got a wet track on Boxing Day we would have to look at our options."
"But on a dry track, we think he is right up there with the best sprinters in New Zealand."
Sensei starts alongside well-travelled stablemate Enzo’s Lad today.
The two-time Telegraph winner quickly bounced back from a below-par first-up run when hitting the line strongly for third behind Don Carlo in his next start at Riccarton.
Enzo’s Lad is also looking for improvement in the Wingatui track
"When we got that wet track in the Stewards [Stakes], it wasn’t ideal for him, especially fresh up."
"When he draws an outside barrier or when he gets that wet track he looks after himself."
"He is a big horse and does like a dry track."
"That last run showed he was getting back to his best and probably is back to his best with a couple of runs under his belt."
Enzo’s Lad will again clash with Don Carlo, who has never raced on a track rated worse than dead.
Should the Wingatui track stay at a slow rating it would suit the Pitman stable’s third runner, Exemplar.
"Exemplar loves the wet," Pitman said.
