Racing: Bad times could be history

A defeat last week convinced James Stormont that Rosscoe is finally on the way back - maybe all the way to the winner's circle tonight.

Rosscoe was New Zealand trotting's heir apparent two seasons ago but last season went haywire, spending more time galloping up the Alexandra Park home straight than Sunline did at Moonee Valley.

But Stormont, who was more frustrated than anybody by that string of poor performances, says they could be behind Rosscoe now.

"The way he felt last week I think he is getting near his best again," he explains. "I know he was beaten but he fought all the way to the line and didn't buckle under pressure, which is what he would have done in almost any race last season."

Rosscoe had to settle for fourth to arch-rival Pompallier last week but gets a 10m headstart and is almost certain to settle several positions ahead of him.

"Pompallier is racing great but I think this at least gives us a chance. If we begin well we should be handy and I think we will be hard to beat from there.

"Last week I had to come out too early and we were flying around that last bend but my horse still stuck on well so we are heading in the right direction."

While Rosscoe will be at backable each way odds many punters will still be keen to anchor Pompallier in the $100,000 Pick6 as he has developed into the best trotter in the country.

Gone are his sulking tendencies and he seems a more serious and stronger racehorse, one good enough to even overcome tonight's tough handicap.

Much interest in the race will be in the return of Delft, the trotter who started favourite in last season's Interdominion Final but hasn't won a race since.

He is recovered from an injury which ruined his Addington campaign earlier this season but faces a huge fresh-up in group two company.

Stablemates Ado's Invasion and Toomuch To Do, both of whom love Alexandra Park, provide upset value.