By MICHAEL GUERIN
Alexandra Park welcomed back an old friend last night - the real Holmes D G.
The Grand Circuit champion recorded his first win in New Zealand for 11 months with a blistering return to form in the $30,000 North Shore City Stakes.
It answered two major questions about the millionaire pacer. Yes, he still has what it takes to beat the best and, perhaps more importantly, he wants to use it.
While Holmes D G's courage has been a trademark of his career as he locked horns with Christian Cullen for two seasons, last season he almost forgot how to be a racehorse.
His three runs during the Interdominions in Melbourne were shockers for a horse of his ability and he went into the spelling paddock with trainer-driver Barry Purdon shaking his head.
And things didn't get much better first up when he failed to run on in the Spring Cup, making last night a crucial step on his path to the New Zealand Cup.
And when the pressure went on he responded like a great horse should.
After giving the leaders a massive start early he followed arch-rival and favourite Yulestar and produced a sizzling burst to win going away at the line.
In doing so he paced his last 800m three wide in 55.1 seconds, a sectional that will send fear down the spines of rival trainers.
Mac De Stroyer confirmed he belongs in the best classes by storming into second while Classic Tubro made the most of a good run for third ahead of Yulestar who faded late.
Purdon said the form reversal from his stable star did not surprise him.
"I thought he was going to be a lot better tonight after I worked him here last Saturday," said Purdon. "I think he may have needed that run fresh up and it is good to have to his best with the New Zealand Cup not that far away."
Purdon and fellow northern trainers now face a familiar headache, whether to stay in the north or head south to further their New Zealand preparations.
One horse likely to head south is Yulestar, who lost few friends last night. He was shunted three wide down the back straight but did not give in, simply meeting a better horse with a better run on the night.
A disappointment was the early gallop of Ouch, who did a huge job to finish behind the placegetters in the sprint home and may be suited by the return to mobile racing at Addington next Friday.
His stablemate Bogan Fella battled on well after working up to sit parked in the middle stages while the resuming Agua Caliente was never a chance after racing last in the sprint home.
Last night's win continued a stunning run in the race for the Purdon family and the meeting belonged to them, with Mark Purdon training four winners and Barry Purdon two.
One of Mark's was a particularly game effort from Hawera, who overcame a 20m handicap in the $20,000 intermediate grade feature, holding out second favourite New York Fella.
Racing: Holmes D G still has what it takes
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