Star should have too much class

If you're worried about the 1600m or the possibility of the rain-affected track for today's $250,000 Levin Classic at Otaki, don't be. There are so many more variables.

Trainer Peter McKay is not at all worried about Antonio Lombardo stretching his formline out from 1400m to 1600m, nor the possibility of track conditions being an issue.

Rain yesterday produced the possibility of a rain-affected footing for today, but the pattern fell more into place.

"I'm not too worried about the betting," said McKay of his 3-year-old, who has won all three of his starts this season.

The suggested track yesterday appeared likely to be close to perfect.

Local trainer Howie Mathews expected perfect footing.

"We've had huge winds here in the last days and it's dried tracks out.

"The footing for tomorrow should be very good."

The Levin Classic has a varied history, given it has proved a fascinating clash among established horses and emerging types.

This field is no different.

The result will tell a few stories.

Duckworth Lewis has shown ability and is up to level-weighted class.

The wide draw of 16 is no assistance, compared with Antonio Lombardo's six.

Estrato and Shanghai Bund will be competitive

However, Antonio Lombardo is the classiest runner.

He is jumping from 1400m to 1600m as a front runner but that worries connections not at all.

Said McKay: "He is bred to run middle distances and the 1600m should be every bit as good as the shorter distances for him."

"He's in great shape and the race suits him.

"He's actually bred to run a lot further than the 1600m. I'm not all all concerned about that."

In his last two starts, Antonio Lombardo has won 1400m races in front in fast times of 1.22.65 and 1.22.27.

McKay believes the classy colt can sustain that speed to additional distances.

Horses emerge quickly at this time of the season and there are plenty of challengers.