Racing: Harley Earl quickly back in driver's seat

Harley Earl is on trial for a start in the Chariots of Fire at Menangle tonight. Photo / Christine Cornege

New Zealand pacer Harley Earl has been given a crash course in fitness after an almost unheard of preparation for his Australian debut.

The 4-year-old joins fellow Canterbury pacer Band On The Run in the A$20,000 Paleface Adios Sprint at Menangle outside Sydney tonight, where they must finish in the top five to earn a spot in next Friday's A$200,000 Chariots Of Fire.

They meet most of Australia's elite 4-year-olds over the mile but after drawing well they have been installed as not only the favourites for tonight's heat but also the Chariots itself.

Harley Earl's trainer Brendon Hill says his speedster goes into tonight's race off the back of a unique preparation. "He has only had just over three weeks' work," says Hill.

"I gave him three weeks off after the Jewels [June 5] and then started to think about this race so we brought him back in.

"I know it is a bit rushed but he comes to hand quickly and the aim is to finish in the first five this week and that blowout should bring him on for next week."

For an elite-level pacer to go from three weeks of idleness to racing the best of his age in 25 days is incredibly rare but Hill is an astute trainer and knows his horse who must be given the benefit of the doubt.

His confidence levels received a boost at last week's Addington trials when Harley Earl paced some slick sectionals. "Before that I was a bit worried but he was really good last week and didn't blow too hard so I think we might be all right."

With conservative driver Ricky May in the sulky punters should be wary of taking short odds as Harley Earl's first job tonight is to qualify for the final.

"If he doesn't run in five this week we have to go home so that has to be the main priority, rather than winning," said Hill.

"I think he can win, but he will improve a lot."

Those sentiments suggest the crown of favouritism sits uneasily on Harley Earl's head and Band On The Run could be the better winning chance of the Kiwi pair.

He has race fitness on his side and while he is better when not bustled out of the gate, he should settle handy from barrier five and will be suited by the huge Menangle track.

For New Zealand punters, the best-known Australian in the race is Captain Joy, who was so luckless at the Rowe Cup meeting, but while he won last start the effects of a long season could be taking their toll so this race could be an ideal one to think outside the square.

Mister Zion is a high-class pacer who beat Smoken Up in the South Australia Cup in January and won well last start, while Villagem is a speedster well suited to barrier one.