KEY POINTS:
Rating Our Sunny Whiz's chances of a comeback win at Alexandra Park tonight is easy - simply look at last year's results.
The electrifying Kumeu trotter finds herself in almost exactly the same position tonight as she did when starting last season.
On that occasion she started from a 30m backmark against handy intermediate opposition and simply blew them away. And trainer Ken Sefonte says she is just as forward heading into her season debut tonight.
"She is as forward as when she won first-up last season," said Sefonte.
"She never takes a lot to come to her peak but she had a workout at Pukekohe a few weeks ago and has worked well since then.
"While she should improve with this run I think she can win."
Sefonte does have one warning for punters though - Our Sunny Whiz is unlikely to be asked to race as handy as usual.
The freegoing mare went within a nose of winning last season's Rowe Cup after leading but tonight Sefonte expects driver Maurice McKendry to play the patient game.
"I wouldn't like to see her taking off and doing all the work at the start of a campaign but she is just as good coming from behind, maybe better."
Sefonte is just thrilled to have the north's most exciting trotter back at the races as northern clubs have struggled to get open class races off the ground this spring.
"It will be good to get this one under her belt and the we can head to Christchurch."
Our Sunny Whiz, who hasn't developed greatly physically since last season, will start on New Zealand Cup day before the Dominion Handicap on November 23.
"I will bypass the mobile races and keep her fresh because that is how she races best." Tonight's small field will help Our Sunny Whiz and her biggest danger appears to be the enigmatic Extasia.
She rivals Our Sunny Whiz for ability but can go through manners-induced form slumps. She may be approaching one of those now, galloping in her last three starts. If she is on her best behaviour she can down the favourite, while Summer Man looks the other leading trifecta chance.
