BY MICHAEL GUERIN
Fitness versus class will be the test in tonight's Great Northern Stakes at Alexandra Park.
Last season's Juvenile of the Year, Matai Mackenzie, returns in the $20,000 feature looking to extend his superb record of never having been out of the first two.
With three major wins under his belt and $229,500 in stakes, he stands head and shoulders above his rivals.
But he will lack for race fitness, even though he has been performing well at the trials in strong fields.
From barrier eight any fitness concerns could be exploited, particularly by Taihape Tickler.
The gelding has a huge reputation and has been unlucky in his last two starts after winning his debut by more than seven lengths.
He may not have the gate speed to lead in a small but hot field, but is fit enough to work and still test the favourite.
Tonight's other feature, the $8000 Dixon And Haddon Trot, is dominated by the clash of Mountain Gold and Last Sunset.
Mountain Gold looked to be back to something like his best when flying home for second here last start and he sprinted a brilliant last 400m at the workouts last Saturday.
The small field should help negate his handicap tonight and he may have too much finishing punch for Last Sunset.
Racing: Class should see Matai through
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