By Michael Guerin
The Bear is here and that could mean a rare Australian victory at Cambridge tonight.
Aussie harness stars winning in New Zealand are a rarity these days - with Sir Vancelot's Interdom Grand Final victory a painful exception.
But few Aussie raiders come with the credentials Seelster Sam brings to the first Sires Stakes heat at Cambridge tonight.
Seelster Sam is trained by one of Australia's most astute horseman in Peter Walsh - known throughout Australasia as The Bear - and will be driven by leading Sydney driver Greg Bennett.
The 3-year-old was one of the best juveniles in Australia last season, winning the prestigious Seymour Nursery at Albion Park.
He returned with a recent victory at Harold Park but that wasn't the effort which has instilled a quiet confidence in Walsh as he looks forward to tonight's mobile mile.
"His first-up win was good but I was really happy with the way he trialled at Menagle last week," said Walsh.
"He ran 2:0 for his mile there last week and that is a good time around Menangle."
Walsh has developed a close association with New Zealand over the past decade and could hardly have picked a better time to attack the Sires Stakes.
This year's 3-year-old crop lacks a freak to compare with the Courage Under Fires or Christian Cullens of the past two seasons.
And the horse who ended last season looking our best juvenile, Mr Metallica, goes into tonight's race with some question marks over him.
Last season's Sires Stakes and Sales Series Pace winner has only had one workout after some minor hiccups early in this campaign and trainer Gary Hackett admits the star of his small stable won't be at his peak tonight.
"I think he is still at least two runs away from being at his best," said Hackett.
"And he is going to need a lot of luck from one on the second line. If he gets locked away the race could be over before he gets out."
That is a legitimate concern for Hackett because while Mr Metallica looks a Derby horse, drawing one on the second line is usually the kiss of death over a mile at Cambridge.
But Seelster Sam faces no such problems.
Having drawn barrier three the NSW son of Falcon Seelster should have few problems crossing to the front from where Bennett will have the option of trailing and using the passing lane or holding the front.
While tonight's conditions suit the Aussie horse, the value option in the second leg of the $250,000 Pick Six could be Easy Anvil. He didn't get a clear run when bolting during his resumption at Alexandra Park a fortnight ago and went into that race under a cloud.
With improvement he could shine should tonight's feature turn into a staying test. His second line draw won't do him any favours but being off the markers should ensure he doesn't get locked away.
Four novice races have turned the Pick Six into a lottery but one pacer who would be an anchor if he only puts his best hoof forward is Tee Off Tiger in the opening leg.
He showed more ability than an average maiden last season but also has a few tricks. His second line draw won't suit tonight but he meets a weak field and comes from a stable that has a good record with fresh runners.
Horse Racing: Aussie bear could maul Kiwi rivals
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