KEY POINTS:
An old man and a young buck with only one thing in common should have vastly different returns to the racetrack at Alexandra Park tonight.
Romper Stomper and Tintin In America could hardly be more different - the former is a troublesome old trotter who pops up at the most unexpected times.
The other, Tintin In America, is a young pacer who punters love and is about to start a career that could make him a star.
But they do share one similarity, apart from the fact they re-launch their careers tonight. They both won group one features at Addington last season.
Romper Stomper recorded the biggest win of his life in the New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All, while Tintin In America did the same in the Sires' Stakes Final on the Christchurch track.
Tonight their returns will provide two of the highlight of a shortened Manukau meeting at Alexandra Park but their trainers expect their comebacks to provide different results.
Romper Stomper's trainer John Dickie says he is happy with the old gelding but he cannot see him winning his return from a 40m handicap in race seven.
"He is well, very well, but he will improve with the run," said Dickie.
"At his best he could win because the small field helps with the handicap but it is hard to overcome 40m behind when you don't have that high-end race fitness."
Romper Stomper trotted his last 2400m in a steady 3:11 at the Cambridge workouts last Saturday, suggesting he has come to hand well, but he could need to trot six seconds faster for that sectional if he is to figure tonight.
"I'll be happy if he runs on well but I'll be surprised if he wins," said Dickie.
That race looks ideal for the pair of $20,000 claimers, Cornishman and Genius, who have recent form on their side and are particularly well placed at the handicaps.
But while Romper Stomper fans will get good odds, Tintin In America's supporters will have to accept very slim pickings in race six.
The speed machine meets horses well below his calibre and has been sharpened with a recent workout win. "I am happy with how he has come up," said trainer Geoff Small. Which means he should simply win.
