KEY POINTS:
Power Of Tara's New Zealand Cup campaign hangs in the balance at Alexandra Park tonight.
Not because senior trainer Barry Purdon isn't still keen to start the leggy pacer in the great race but it is getting to the stage he may not have much say in the matter.
Power Of Tara heads into tonight's 2700m main handicap desperately needing winning form after two fourths so far this season.
He was unlucky in the first and very sound in the second, when he chased home Monkey King, Sly Flyin and Awesome Armbro last Friday.
But Power Of Tara's problem is he is only assessed as a six-win horse, putting him a fair way down the New Zealand Cup pecking order.
If all the horses still eligible for the Cup make the final acceptance payment at least 12 of the 15 spots are gone.
Add to that likely additions such as Waipawa Lad and Howard Bromac and horses as talented as Tribute, Roman Gladiator, Nursemaid, Likmesiah and Power Of Tara may be competing for one remaining spot.
Which means Power Of Tara has to win tonight, or finish a huge second and win in a few weeks at Addington, to be any chance of getting a Cup start on present rankings.
Purdon knows the clock is ticking.
"And we are realistic about that too," he admits.
"I am happy with how he is going but if he can't win this week, or at least go a big race, then it becomes a lot harder for him.
"I think the Cup will suit him because he is a very good stayer but if it is too soon then he still has plenty ahead of him.
"We will know a lot more after this race but I was happy with his fourth last week and this is a drop in class."
Purdon's biggest worry is Montecito, even though he is racing out of his grade.
"He is a good horse and they can be hard to catch when you are off 20m in a field like this."
Power Of Tara is a classy stayer but his fortunes tonight could be dictated by the tempo of the race and the ease with which he can get around the field.
While he is clearly the one to beat, his racing style can leave him a sitting duck if asked to do all the work.
But he does not meet stellar opposition tonight and the small field negates his 20m handicap. He is nearing peak fitness so should win.
Montecito adds spice to the race after a big second on his seasonal debut last Friday, but barrier one is not an ideal place from where to launch your standing start career. He could be under the odds.
Power play
*Power Of Tara needs to win at Alexandra Park tonight to stay on track for the New Zealand Cup.
*He is nearing peak form but is still well down the Cup pecking order.
*Tonight's meeting also sees the return of the north's best trotter, Our Sunny Whiz.
