By MICHAEL GUERIN
Young Rufus has the widest draw in the trickiest race on harness racing's toughest day.
Yet he is just about a good thing to win the $150,000 Sires' Stakes Final.
That might sound like a big call in the best 3-year-old race of the season so far but it is one normally conservative trainer Mark Purdon backs up with a rare level of confidence.
Young Rufus has always been rated a standout by Purdon but the Ardmore trainer has been captivated with the youngster since his last-start Addington thrashing of some tough and classy older rivals.
"It has been a long time since I have driven a 3-year-old who could have done what he did to that field," said Purdon.
"He worked hard and still beat horses who have big reputations and felt like a top horse doing it."
Young Rufus went to Addington last month an athletic goofball and turned into the ruthless warrior of a classic crop with real depth.
"He has just got better and better since he came down here and his work at Addington on Sunday was sensational," said Purdon.
"I know he has a tough draw but he can work in his races and I think he is the best chance of the team I am taking to Addington, and I am actually thrilled with all of them."
If Young Rufus is beaten by the draw today there are three realistic hopes of lowering his colours.
I'vecomealongway was brilliant winning his last start at Addington.
He should find the front for Brent Mangos, from where he would be hard to run down on a track that suits his long stride.
City Rogue may be allowed to slip to each way odds from his second line draw.
But that could be misleading as City Rogue is likely to get a good run through behind a fast beginner.
He is the only horse to have beaten Young Rufus and has trialled well so represents the value.
The enigma of the race is Franco Heir.
He was stunning winning his first two races in New Zealand before being sold to Australia, travelling to Victoria to avoid GST tax, and then returning to original trainer John Hay to prepare for this race.
He outsprinted unbeaten 4-year-old Bruzem at the trials last week but has hardly had the ideal preparation for what should be a brutal race.
To win he will need to be an extraordinary horse, which is exactly what Hay rates him.
While the two major pacing races will dominate Purdon's day he will dominate the feature trot.
He lines up the three favourites - Sundon's Way, Waihemo Hnager and Buster Hanover - in the first leg of Pick Six and in the absence of Lyell Creek, Sundon's Way gets his chance to break through for his first win in over a year.
Sundon's Way's lack of winning form plays into his hooves today as he will start from just a 10m handicap, a luxury for a trotter of his ability.
"He also felt great when I worked him at Addington on Sunday and is clearly the best chance of me three," said Purdon.
"I think Waihemo Hanger will finish this carnival a better horse than he starts it."
Racing: Bad draw, tough field no worries for Rufus
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.