By MICHAEL GUERIN
Lyell Creek is ready to start his new winning streak.
The champion trotter has worked perfectly since his shock defeat at Addington last Friday and his connections believe he will return to his usual winning ways in Friday's $100,000 Dominion Handicap.
"He had a fast workout on Monday morning and we were very pleased with how he trotted," said driver Anthony Butt.
"While we still are unsure exactly what happened last Friday we don't expect a recurrence this week.
"By the same token we also realise he would need to perform better this week than he did last Friday to win off a 15m handicap."
Butt and his brother Tim, who trains Lyell Creek, still only have theories as to why the gelding's winning streak ended at 20 last Friday.
The champion paced briefly then galloped 50m from the finish of the $50,000 New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All.
"The best we can come up with is that he choked down a bit after pulling hard in the trail," said Anthony.
"There is no chance he will be getting into that situation again coming around them from the backmark this week.
"Let's just hope the whole incident is one of those things and we don't have to deal with it again."
Lyell Creek's defeat was not enough to convince trainer Barry Purdon to send a rejuvenated Mountain Gold south for the Dominion.
Mountain Gold returned to winning form by trotting his last 800m in 58 seconds parked out at Alexandra Park last Friday night but he will be kept at home to concentrate on the Auckland Cup carnival before heading to Melbourne for the summer carnival.
"We said all along we would take the patient approach with him early this season," said Purdon.
"I am just glad to have him back trotting so well."
While Lyell Creek goes into the Dominion a last-start loser that is not enough for the TAB to risk betting against him.
The TAB will not have fixed odds betting on the race because Lyell Creek will be so dominant.
Racing: Creek getting ready for a fresh winning streak
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