By Michael Guerin
Champion Aussie reinsman Chris Alford is warning Kiwi punters not to forget Tailamade Lombo in the Chariots Of Fire tomorrow night.
Alford will drive the great mare when she takes on the Barry Purdon-trained Holmes D G in the Harold Park feature.
Tailamade Lombo was a sensation as a 3-year-old filly last season, dealing to Kiwi pacing princess Under Cover Lover three times before chasing Holmes D G hard in the New South Wales Derby.
But she has taken punters on a rollercoaster ride this season, with her best big-race effort a distant second to Christian Cullen in the Miracle Mile.
And she could only manage eighth behind Kingstar and Holmes D G in the lead-up race at Harold Park last week.
Alford says that is best forgotten when assessing her chances in the $A200,0000 Chariots Of Fire, which will be live on Trackside tomorrow night.
"Last week just wasn't her race," said Alford.
"She didn't settle in well in Sydney then we drew a dead end barrier and never got into the race."
Alford says Tailamade Lombo still ran her last 800m wide on the track in under 57 seconds last week.
"That shows she is still in the right form to win this week but the big difference will be our tactics, and the draw."
Tailamade Lombo comes into barrier five tomorrow night but Alford is making no secret he will push the mare out hard looking for the lead.
That role is expected to be won by Kingstar and Alford admits he won't back out of a speed duel.
"She was clearly the second quickest horse out behind Christian Cullen in the Miracle Mile and while Kingstar might get the front before us I think we can pressure it off him.
"And if we do that I think we will win. This mare is almost impossible to beat in front."
Tailamade Lombo will have another secret weapon in her camp tomorrow night, with stable foreperson Jayne Davies having answered an emergency call to look after the mare.
After Tailamade Lombo didn't settle in Sydney last week trainer Noel Alexander asked Davies to fly to Sydney and devote her week to getting Tailamade Lombo right.
Davies has been one of the keys to Alexander becoming Victoria's leading trainer and was instrumental in preparing stable star, Golden Reign, to win the 1995 Interdominions at Addington.
"If anybody can have Tailamade spot on for this week it will be Jayne," said Alford.
While Tailamade Lombo continued to gain support in Sydney yesterday, Alford's confidence could help Holmes D G's chances.
Purdon will have no choice but to pull back with Holmes D G from where he will be perfectly placed to outstay the Aussies should Kingstar and Tailamade Lombo go too hard early.
Horse Racing: Tailamade Lombo can surprise Holmes D G
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