Talented horse names making their return to the racebook happens from time to time and should Pendragon find his way to the Australian Guineas, many punters will quickly recall the Bart Cummings-trained galloper of the mid-2000s.
This Pendragon, however, is the Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard-trained version that Moroney hopes can step up to the Group 1 1600-metre feature via the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.
Bought by Moroney's brother Paul for $NZ110,000 at the 2022 Karaka Sale, Pendragon is rated a $9 chance.
The son of US Navy Flag took four starts to break his maiden in November and since then has put two more victories together including a Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) triumph on December 26.
"He is the type of horse we would bring over (from New Zealand) and have a go," Moroney said.
Unlike the old Pendragon who ran fourth in the Victoria Derby (2500m) in 2005, Moroney doesn't believe that the current Pendragon is one for those staying trips.
"I don't know that he's a Derby horse," he said.
"On the dam side there is staying form but being by US Navy Flag, there's the sprinting quality in England and Ireland."
Saturday's Ellerslie meeting also features the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO and Aotearoa Classic (1600m) where 2023 Australian Guineas winner Legarto is the $1.60 favourite.