Racing: Baileys Dream's reputation grows to match his physique

Todd Mitchell does not lack confidence as a professional horseman in the sport of harness racing.

Nicknamed "The Wizard" due to his knack of producing a magical drive when the serious stake money is on offer, Mitchell has dominated one race over the past six years - the New Zealand Cup.

Mitchell has won the showpiece of New Zealand harness racing on four occasions: Homin Hosed (1999), Gracious Knight (2002) and Just An Excuse (2003 and 2004).

The cocky Waikato-based horseman was quick to volunteer his thoughts on the likely winner of the 2005 and 2006 editions of the New Zealand Cup.

"I think Just An Excuse is capable of coming out next season and getting that hat-trick of wins in the [NZ] Cup but it'll be tough coming off a handicap and having to race against Elsu," said Mitchell.

"I'm looking forward to the 2006 Cup because I think Baileys Dream will win the race and he's probably the best horse I've ever sat behind.

"Baileys Dream is only a 3-year-old but he's capable of doing anything I ask of him and I haven't found a task at this point in time that is beyond his capabilities.

"Baileys Dream was just cruising in front when he won the feature 3-year-old race at Addington Raceway on Friday night.

"He has a big motor and he's one of those racehorses you drive that will not allow another racehorse to run past him.

"Just An Excuse is a horse that can produce a freakish performance and he's a super stayer but, after driving Baileys Dream on Friday night, I've got to say that it's scary sitting behind him because he's a bulky racehorse with stag-gering power."

Baileys Dream will start as hot favourite at Addington Raceway, Christchurch next Friday night despite taking on a quality field of age group rivals in the $100,000 New Zealand Derby.

However, Mitchell admits to having one concern heading into the 2600 metre mobile feature.

"There is only one draw I don't want and that's barrier one on the second row.

"He's a big robust pacer and he needs room to stride out during the race and I'll have a hell of a time getting him off the pylons if we have to start from that draw.

"I can drive him in front or sit outside the leader as he's such a well-balanced and powerful racehorse and he'll stay all day and run out a strong 2600 metres.

"Hopefully he'll secure an invitation to head to Sydney and compete in the New South Wales Derby and it'll be interesting to see how he handles racing around such a small track like Harold Park."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY