KEY POINTS:
Two weeks ago Ebony Gem looked like he needed a miracle just to scrape into tonight's A$200,000 Chariots Of Fire.
Now trainer Gareth Dixon thinks the Auckland pacer can win the group one event at Harold Park in Sydney.
Ebony Gem is the sole Kiwi pacer in the 4-year-old event, a race New Zealand could have dominated this season through the likes of Changeover or Gotta Go Cullen.
But with those superstars staying home to prepare for the New Zealand Cup, Dixon has pulled a masterstroke by sending Ebony Gem to Australia for a race that many rival trainers discarded as being too tough.
Not only has Ebony Gem peaked at the right time but this Australian 4-year-old crop lacks intimidation, with key players like Lombo Pocket Watch and Fleur De Lil finding ways to get beaten recently.
Not that Dixon's masterstroke looked quite so smart a few weeks back.
Australian experts were doubting the flashy looking pacer when he was beaten fresh-up at Moonee Valley and he was only marginally better when fourth at Bendigo at his next start.
But last Friday Ebony Gem returned to his best when leading throughout at Harold Park to win the major lead-up race to tonight's classic.
Dixon says the transformation came via increased fitness and a gear change.
"I put the pull down blinds on him and they really woke him up," said Dixon.
"And I think the hard racing over there has helped.
"He has worked great since last Friday and has been really keen in his work so I think he has to be a chance of winning."
Dixon realises having drawn barrier one for the second week on end is a huge advantage for Ebony Gem.
"Especially after he showed that gate speed last week.
"He should at least stay handy and I think he will take some catching," he said.
While Ebony Gem will have his supporters, Australia's pin-up pacer Lombo Pocket Watch is certain to start favourite, as he usually does.
The wonderful grey pacer's aura has been diminished by some unexpected defeats towards the end of last year, demoting him from his champion status of his juvenile season to mere superstar.
He would be the youngster to beat tonight if he can blast forward at the start and lead, but if he can't assume that role luck in the running with become a far greater factor in one of Harold Park's season features.
Fleur De Lil is another who is far more potent in front but has been racing just below her best, while Melpark Major and Be Diligent add to a good form race.
Melpark Major has been the find of the Victorian winter racing scene and is one of the few serious horses left at stud by former pacing hero Iraklis.
The stallion recorded one of his greatest wins at Harold Park in the Miracle Mile.
RARE CHANCE
* New Zealand has a rare shot at Australian pacing glory in the last year at Harold Park tonight.
* Auckland pacer Ebony Gem has rocketed into contention for the A$200,000 Chariots Of Fire.
* He looks a strong each way chance from the ace draw.
