By MICHAEL GUERIN
The more things change for Stars And Stripes the more they stay the same.
The Pacer of the Year returns today for the biggest test of his career in the $25,000 Ashburton Flying Stakes, in which a win would earn him not only a New Zealand Cup start but favouritism for the great race.
The four-time Derby winner has looked significantly stronger during two trials wins in the last fortnight, the second when he easily outsprinted Bogan Fella at Addington on Wednesday.
Those efforts have seen him promoted to favourite for today's feature as well as fifth favourite for the New Zealand Cup, for which he still needs a win to qualify.
"He is definitely stronger than last season and I am sure he will be competitive in this race and in open class," said driver Ken Barron.
But Barron warns punters that while Stars And Stripes may be better than last season he is still a one-trick pony.
Stars And Stripes has the sharpest sprint in New Zealand harness racing but it has to be judged to perfection because if he hits the front too soon he shuts off.
And as for working during his race, forget it.
"I won't be changing the way I drive him. He will still be driven for that ounce of luck because he has got the speed but still not the toughness."
That makes Stars And Stripes vulnerable today in his first standing start and his first outing since May.
"I think he will step away safely rather than quickly and I can see it being a race with a few lead changes, which would suit us. But Ashburton is a hard track to make ground on so it will be a tough test."
Today's race will go a long way to deciding New Zealand Cup favouritism, with particular interest in the runs of Ouch, Yulestar and The Tough Nut.
Ouch has the ability but may not be the most genuine pacer in the elite ranks and will need to step quickly today as he hunts the first of two wins he needs to make the Cup field.
Yulestar is the best pacer in the Flying Stakes but faces a second line draw. His last-start effort at Alexandra Park was disappointing but he will be better suited by the big track and his form always improves once he heads south.
The Tough Nut goes into the race as equal New Zealand Cup favourite and looks perfectly placed on his home track to prove he is a genuine open class force and not just another pretender taking advantage of the lack of depth in the southern open class ranks.
The other highlight of the day will be Lyell Creek's attempt to break the national mile record of 1:57. A time between 1:56 and 1:57 is likely.
Racing: Barron will not change tactics
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