By Michael Guerin
For the first time this season Holmes D G is ready.
The multiple Derby winner has lived in the large, cold shadow of Christian Cullen this season. While the big fella was winning the serious money, Holmes D G was waiting for the Auckland Cup.
When the Auckland Cup arrived, Holmes D G's inexperience from a stand cost him any chance.
It has been a frustrating season for trainer-driver Barry Purdon, who knows the gap between the two exceptional pacers is not as great as many think.
Now Purdon wants to start proving that to everybody else.
While Christian Cullen will be missing from tonight's $A250,000 Victoria Cup, Purdon is talking like he would almost rather have the big champ there.
"Things haven't gone our way on a few occasions this season but I really think the horse is ready to show his best now," said Purdon from Melbourne yesterday.
"He has come through the Auckland Cup very well and back to the mobile start at least I know I won't be giving away big starts like he has been from the stands lately.
"I think we are ready to see his best this time."
Holmes D G sprinted quickly at the Pukekohe workouts last Sunday, confirming Purdon's belief he is back to his sharpest and he will test that opinion early in tonight's feature.
While many expect Our Sir Vancelot to cross to the lead from barrier three, Purdon is hinting he will try and hold the Aussie star out.
That could mean some early fireworks, but if Holmes D G can hold the front it will take a great horse to run past him as he is a superb front runner.
"He is really thriving and since we have got the draw we might as well use it," said Purdon.
They were not the words Our Sir Vancelot's trainer-driver Brian Hancock wanted to hear yesterday as he has already declared himself the early leader.
"I think this is the best horse in the field and I want the front," said Hancock.
"But if things get too heated early I still know my horse can take a sit and outsprint most of these."
Outside the two hotshots, Kiwis Kate's First and Happy Asset represent the value in the race while the big question mark is over fallen hero Iraklis.
He went too badly to believe in a weak lead-up race at Moonee Valley last week but trainer Robert Cameron admits he does not know what to expect tonight.
Horse Racing: Holmes ready to show his class
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