KEY POINTS:
Champion trainer Mark Purdon says Sir Clive could struggle to overcome "the worst possible barrier draw" at Addington today.
The 2-year-old colt has looked the best of his crop this season but will start from one on the second line in the $220,000 Sales Series Pace and that is enough for Purdon to suggest Highview Tommy is now his stable's best chance in the race.
"Usually I would say Sir Clive was my best but one on the second line is a terrible draw for him because he over-races so badly," said Purdon.
"I am not saying he can't win but he will need to get off the markers so Highview Tommy is our best chance.
"He has the manners and has been getting better all the time."
Purdon suggests Stunin Cullen, who on debut beat Sir Clive last start, is the biggest danger and could even deserve favouritism in the 1950m event.
That should ensure good each way odds for smart northerners Tintin In America and Antares in a race which looks certain to have plenty of twists.
Purdon lines up two chances in the $150,000 Nevele R Fillies Final and says while Lady Dancer (R9, No1) is the second favourite she will have her work cut out with Lizzie Maguire (8).
"I have been impressed by Lady Dancer but she is stepping a long way up in grade this week.
"She is the better chance of our two in the race but while she will go close Lizzie Maguire is still the one to beat."
Northern filly Eyecatcher Courage (12) looks the upset value in the event if her rivals go hard, a possibility with so many fast beginners off the front line.
Purdon has been laid low with a virus for three days since the announcement his stable star Auckland Reactor has changed hands but expects to be fine to drive at today's meeting.
And, he says, punters should get in early for his best chance.
"We have a really good team in but Fiery Falcon (R1, No12) is our best winning chance," said Purdon.
"I think the best 3-year-olds have been too good for the older horses when they race back in the grades.
"I know he meets a good field but he is working well and I like him."
Purdon also rates Ohoka Utah (R6, No4) as a great winning chance.
"He is well placed and good from a standing start so he will be hard as well."
Two of the highlights on the stellar programme come early in the day, with exceptional trotter Springbank Richard (R2, No18) set to tackle new Southland sensation Makarewa Sun (7).
Springbank Richard staged a huge recovery after an early break at Rangiora last start but couldn't afford to make the same mistake in a capacity field today.
Race four sees one of the last chances for open class pacers this season and looks an ideal chance for Awesome Armbro (R4, No7) to get his first win this year.
The Geoff Small-trained gelding has been missing away from standing starts but is perfectly suited by the mobile in a race where only Waipawa Lad (8) and Roman Gladiator (9) are proven at the elite level.
The feature trot brings together many those who chased home Our Sunny Whiz in the Rowe Cup last week and the handicaps suit Lotsa Speed (R10, No1) but he will be kept busy by Inspire (6) and Houdini Star (8) who is likely to be driven more patiently today.
