By MIKE DILLON
Creme De Honor has the class, Hangover Harry has the stickability - that is the essence of tomorrow's $30,000 The Beacon Whakatane Cup.
Hangover Harry deserves favouritism after topping a serious run of form by running old-timer All In Fun down in the Taumarunui Cup last start.
But he has hit 57.5kg in the handicap very quickly and Creme De Honor, with plenty of ability to back him up, is on the same weight.
The difference is Creme De Honor has yet to win past 1600m and tomorrow's 2170m on a testing track will not be for the faint hearted.
But he might be worth the risk to do the impossible. With great respect, the open handicappers this winter have not been outstanding in terms of ability and Creme De Honor, though beaten last time, is smarter than most of them.
In fourteen starts his worst effort in New Zealand has been a fifth placing and that was in the group one Easter Handicap.
Bob Vance, husband of trainer Jenny Vance, says Creme De Honor will lead.
"You can't ride him any other way. It's not that he reefs and pulls his way to the front, he just likes his own way."
That may be the key to the result. If Creme De Honor can maintain a soft lead, he might have too much zip for the handicappers in the final 500m. Loose and heavy ground would suit him best.
"There has to be a question mark on him over the distance," says Vance, "and the other factor is that you can't help thinking how long he's been in work.
"I've said it before, we're waiting for him to show us signs he's had enough this preparation."
Linda Ballantyne, who had no luck riding The Message in last week's Mudgway Partsworld Stakes, takes the ride on Creme De Honor.
If the race is won by a runner storming home late from the back then Hangover Harry is going to go close. He looked to be no chance of picking up All In Fun at Te Rapa last start but kept going strongly in very testing conditions to get the decision in the final three strides.
Just There will appreciate the step back up to a middle distance. His 1600m fourth at Counties was a sound effort for a horse whose racing had been exclusively at middle distances.
Master Pom has had a chance to freshen and with a one-from-one record on the track will attract plenty of attention.
Racing: Harry a headache for rivals
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