By MICHAEL GUERIN
It is just sitting there, waiting for the right head.
After one of the most turbulent years in the history of New Zealand pacing the crown is waiting for a new King. Or Queen.
When Christian Cullen retired the title of New Zealand's greatest pacer was supposed to go to Courage Under Fire. Until he became an Aussie. But let's not talk about that.
Now the race to be King begins as the best of the rest get serious with workouts and trials this week.
The good news is our established pacing stars are right here in the North Island. The South Island has Happy Asset, Stars And Stripes, The Tough Nut but they all, for different reasons, face uphill battles to win the first major race of the season - the New Zealand Cup.
So it should be a northern head the vacant crown first touches. But who? Here are the leading contenders. -
HOLMES D G (6g. 41 starts, 21 wins, $1,119,4580): Still rated the best pacer in New Zealand even after pathetic Interdom campaign. Has won Miracle Mile, Victoria Cup, Trueur Memorial and NZ Free-For-All.
Trainer Barry Purdon is thrilled with his progress.
"He had three months out after that and looks terrific. He worked 3:13 for 2400m at home on Saturday, which is a good time. He will head to the workouts this week with a view to resuming at Alexandra Park on September 22. At this stage I couldn't be happier."
While there is still a question mark over his 3200m ability he has won at group one level on every major track in Australasia and is Grand Circuit champion. Starts the season as the No.1 seed.
YULESTAR (6g. 34-15-$506, 160): Won the Hunter Cup last season, second in Auckland Cup and fourth in Interdom Grand Final on track which did not suit. Has always looked likely to be better with age.
Yulestar is now looking so good he is dangerous. Literally.
The gaint Taranaki pacer threw trainer Lorraine Nolan from the sulky three weeks ago after charging around the Hawera track at full speed.
"He has grown and is now 16.2 hands and was just feeling too good for his own good," said Nolan's husband, Ron, who temporarily took over the driving in training.
"He will head to the Manawatu trials on Saturday but we don't know how hard a run he will get because of the opposition down here. He looks incredible and is bigger and stronger than last season."
The Nolans are aiming for a September 22 comeback for Yulestar, with Cambridge's Tony Shaw retaining the drive. Looks certain to be even better this season but still a concern over early season fitness because of isolation from real competition.
AGUA CALIENTE (8g. 39-22-$295,445): Has become unbeatable in winter, the only time he seems to remain sound and happy. Has shown with sectionals at Alexandra Park he is a superstar but is a reluctant tourist.
After racing over winter had only two weeks out and is doing plenty of pacework for the Wolfendens.
"He won't need much fast work to be ready to race and should be at the trials in a few weeks," said driver Glen Wolfenden.
"He seems very well at the moment but I think there is only a slim hope of him racing on September 22, with the race on October 6 more likely. We would like to race him up here before flying him to Christchurch close to the Cup."
Has looked a pretender to the crown for the past four years but ailments have held him back. Won't get a better chance than this season, particularly as standing start manners have solidified. If he brings his best to Addington, watch out!
BOGAN FELLA (7g. 56-15- $591,114): The forgotten horse. Has won NZ Derby, Ben Hur, second in Auckland Cup, third in New Zealand Cup and Interdom Grand Final.
Has been off the scene with strained suspensory since December but trainer Mark Purdon says that could be a blessing in disguise.
"He looks better than ever. He has always been a bit light but he did very well when spelling and looks bigger and stronger.
"Because of that he should need a few races to return to his best. I really think this could be a good season for him."
Heads to the workouts on Saturday and has the added advantage of being off the front in the New Zealand Cup.
"That is ideal because he is a great stayer and those races suit him best."
FACTA NON VERBA (6g. 39-13-$183,125): Won the Easter Cup last season showing he has improved enough to be open class player.
A travel hitch upon his return from Queensland means Facta Non Verba will miss the Spring Cup on September 22.
"He was stranded in Sydney for a week then had a two week spell so he won't be ready until mid-October," said co-trainer Mike Berger.
"I've just started to jog him this week and he will need a good fitness grounding to take on Holmes D G and Yulestar."
Easter Cup win suggests he will handle 3200m in the best grade but still battles hoof problems. If they can be controlled he will have a very profitable season.
MAC DE STROYER (5g. 19-10-$135,288): Won the Taylor Mile in 1:54.6 last season. Has always looked Cup material.
Still class nine and Todd MacFarlane is keen to get the win needed for Cup as soon as possible. Worked between races last Friday night and looked fantastic. Has the speed and toughness for open class and 3200m will suit. Could be about to really put trainer-driver on map.
OUCH (6g. 33-9-$86,583): Looked special when beating the best off levels mark to start last season but form afterwards erratic. Now with Mark Purdon and needing two wins to qualify for the Cup.
"I think he will get those two wins before Cup time and make the field," said Purdon. "His work the past few weeks has been top class and he feels like a good horse."
We know he has the ability to mix it with the best and will have Tony Herlihy in the sulky but not easy to improve on former trainer Geoff Small.
HOMIN HOSED (6g. 27-15-$418,356): Defending NZ Cup hero who has been raced only lightly since because of hoof and suspensory problems.
"He is back jogging but definitely won't race until after Christmas," said trainer Bryan Macey. Could be the last-season star.
OTHERS: Open class. - Kliklite: Grand mare but not realistic Cup winning hope. Can threaten in mares features. Class nine. - Waharoa: Form too inconsistent and based mainly in South; Bold Kamwood: Now trotting.
Class eight. - Sweet Talking Man: Would need to improve; Richie's Dream: Better in mares races; Harry's Brother: Has been away too long to judge; Blue Rinse (injured).
POSSIBLES (Those who could make class eight in time for the Auckland Cup). - Hawera, Classic Turbo, Pic Me Pockets, Flight South, Falcon Rise, Mike's Pal, Surprise Addition, Electric Kiwi, Just Jacob, Clifton Gold, New York Fella.
Racing: Holmes D G - Yulestar top contenders
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