For a race that might last only 112 seconds, tonight’s Flying Mile at Cambridge could become two races.
One could contain those who find themselves handy before the field gets to the winning post the first time, the other less competitive race could be for those who don’t.
Both divisions will be fascinating for those hoping for the ultimate guide to next week’s $1 million The Race at the same venue.
Tonight’s sprint contains seven of the 10 starters in New Zealand’s richest race in eight days, but there are three crucial differences: the stake, the distance and the preferential barrier draw.
The latter means supposedly the lesser-assessed horses get the best draws, so many of those up on the speed will be those either not in The Race or not seen as the main winning chances next week.