KEY POINTS:
Tim Butt admits Flashing Red is a one-trick pony - but it is a pretty hard trick to beat.
The reigning Horse of the Year heads to tomorrow's Hannon Memorial at Oamaru as a hot fixed-odds favourite, even after his last-start defeat by race rival Baileys Dream.
On
that occasion Flashing Red did all the work in front before Baileys Dream's younger legs carried him to victory up the passing lane.
And trainer Butt acknowledges that is going to be Flashing Red's Achilles heel all season.
"If a really good, sharp horse is sitting on his back then he is going to be vulnerable in any race," said Butt.
"We really have no choice, that is the way he has to race because he doesn't have the speed of his rivals.
"It seems to work for him but because he has to do all the donkey work you can never say he is a certainty because he will always be left a sitting duck.
"Still, I do think this race pans out nicely for him."
Butt cites two reasons for his increased confidence going into tomorrow's 2600m standing start even after his defeat last week.
First is an impressive workout on Wednesday, which confirmed to him that Flashing Red has improved with his last start, his first in New Zealand since March.
"He will definitely be better," said Butt.
The second reason for confidence is that Baileys Dream will start off the unruly tomorrow, making it unlikely he will settle handy to Flashing Red when the latter makes his certain bid for his favoured pacemaking role.
"I'd like to think Baileys Dream won't be as close to us this week and that could make the difference."
While the field contains several open class regulars, only Classic Cullen looks capable of coming off Flashing Red's back and beating him.
Once the field settles Flashing Red's driver Anthony Butt is sure to go in search of the lead and should he get there the race is his to lose.
Tomorrow's other feature sees the return of champion trotting mare One Over Kenny, facing a 40m handicap but on her home track.
Trainer Phil Williamson believes she is still a few races off peak fitness.