Forces beyond the control of Tim and Margaret Carter have forced a rethink of Battle Time’s early season programme.

Tim and Margaret Carter’s longer-term focus for their versatile four-year-old Battle Time already centres on the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival.

Sibling rivalry will come to a head at Group Two level on Saturday when Battle Time and Farm Boy square off at Ellerslie.

Battle Time’s bold front-running display at Riccarton will be a blueprint for the future.

Consistent top level performer Battle Time gained a deserved stakes victory with a commanding front-running performance at Riccarton.