By Michael Guerin
Jim Smith has been around long enough to know there are some wars you just can't win.
And you get the feeling one of those wars is tonight's final Interdominion trotting heat at Alexandra Park.
Smith trains Mountain Gold, who has been the find of the trotting series, setting up a national record on the first night and outsprinting Grand Final favourite Special Force on Tuesday.
The latter performance confirmed he is a real threat in next Friday's Grand Final and Smith is adamant he can win trotting's greatest prize.
"There isn't a trotter in this series that could outsprint him," said the 68-year-old.
"I know he can run a quarter [400m] in 26 seconds if he has to. He sprinted home in just over 27 seconds on Tuesday and that just proved what I have always thought, that he is a better horse coming from behind."
But while Mountain Gold will be forced to race off the pace tonight his fans shouldn't expect miracles from him.
The chestnut can still get very fired up in his races so he has the worst possible draw of one on the second line over the mile, following out Kawarau Invasion, who broke at the start on Tuesday.
"That draw makes it very tough, especially with Cedar Fella and Pride Of Petite in the race," said Smith.
"My horse will make the final with the points he has got and I have got to be realistic.
"I want to win tonight but I have got to make sure he doesn't get knocked down early, while at the same time making sure I don't push another horse out.
"So really from the draw I might end up on the fence and have to hope for some luck."
That would leave the heat open for veterans Cedar Fella and Pride Of Petite to fight it out.
The sprint distance will suit the great mare who has not won a race for what seems like an eternity.
She should end up in front and with the short run to the first bend, probably won't be pressured for at least 400m, especially considering Cedar Fella has looked uncomfortable handling that bend at speed so far in the series.
If Cedar Fella does rush up looking for the lead, though, he would more than likely find it and that would make him the one to beat.
The Dominion Handicap winner closed gamely on Sundon's Way in a sprint home on Tuesday night and driver Ricky May said tonight's mile will suit.
"The draw isn't the best but he has already trotted 1:57.5 for a mile," said May in reference to Cedar Fella setting up Sundon's Way's national mile record last October.
Horse Racing: Smith believes this mountain too steep
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