By MIKE DILLON
Bawalaksana has a big plus and an equally big question mark next to his name going into today's $100,000 Easter Handicap.
The plus comes in the weight department but the question mark is raised by the track conditions.
Last season's fine sprinter might be joint second topweight, but with only 3kg more than the lowest likely runner, he looks well placed.
Bawalaksana's handicap has dropped after a series of runs this summer that were so far from his best form, retirement looked a possibility. But his last two performances have given his connections encouragement there is another big win in the Asian-owned stallion.
Given he had not previous raced on even soft footing, he turned in a remarkable fighting performance for a close third in heavy conditions at Tauranga last start.
Rider Lance O'Sullivan felt it was a winning performance on a firm track.
Retired champion trainer Dave O'Sullivan, who manages the horse for his owners, said yesterday Bawalaksana's training since Tauranga had been first class.
"Lance said his work on Tuesday was the best he'd produced this preparation."
Bawalaksana's frame had been feeling the jarring of racing on summer tracks this preparation and an easy track today would not have be an inconvenience. But his chances may have taken a turn for the worse after heavy rain yesterday threatened to provide a soft track.
Another who would be suited by a track no worse than easy is Integrate, whose 58kg topweight at first glance looks formidable. But it is only 5kg more than any of her rivals and while 58kg is still a decent weight for a mare, her task is very achievable.
Integrate has a tremendous fighting heart which will become a great asset in the closing stages.
If the track does get soft or heavy, Creme De Honor would come right into the race. He has shown rare ability on rain-affected footing and will be much fitter for his first-up effort when fifth behind Tredunnock on April 1.
Racing: Dampener on top sprinter's chances
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