Racing: Howard Bromac denied in skirmish but could win the war

Howard Bromac lost the battle but may have set the foundations to win the war.

The New Zealand pacer produced the run of the race when second in the A$125,000 Ballarat Cup on Saturday night, being caught late by Robin Hood after the latter got a miracle gap to get off the rail at the 600m.

It was an injustice though, as Howard Bromac had worked hard to lead, then see off the mid-race attack of Dinki Di, only to succumb to a horse who had enjoyed a much softer trip.

But while disappointed to have to settle for second, Howard Bromac's trainer-driver Kirk Larsen realised he may have laid the foundation for the great two months of his life.

By showing gate speed and then refusing to take a trail, Howard Bromac has gained enormous respect among Australian drivers, most of whom will be reluctant to take him on again in a similar situation.

That could pay huge dividends at the richest harness racing series ever held in Australasia, the Interdominions, which climax with a A$1.5 million final in Tasmania on April 2.

"I would have loved to have won but I think we made them sit up and take notice tonight anyway," said Larsen. "They now know I won't always be handing up on him and in Australia that is crucial because so many races are won from the front over here.

"And I also think he still has a few lengths' improvement in him because it was his first race for three weeks."

Howard Bromac faces a far tougher task next time at the races, as he will start off a 10m handicap in the A$500,000 Hunter Cup at Moonee Valley on February 12.

Robin Hood, the find of the Victorian pacer season, is now the second favourite for that race, although his $5 price seems short considering how blessed he was in the running on Saturday night.

The next best of the Kiwis was Bob's Blue Boy, who battled honestly as usual into fourth. He will be better suited by the 3050m trip in the Hunter and gives New Zealand a strong second string. Many of the other Kiwi open class pacers will struggle to get a start.

Baileys Dream and Foreal need to win this Saturday at Moonee Valley to be guaranteed a place in the hot field.

One horse who won't be there is Mister D G.

The 2004 Hunter Cup winner is almost certain to be retired after pulling up very sore on Saturday night.

That capped a horror weekend for driver Anthony Butt.

Not only did Foreal race lengths below her best in the Chariots of Fire in Sydney on Friday night but stable trotting star Genius galloped in his heat of the trotting Interdominions and is now in danger of missing the final.

Then Tuherbs only battled into fourth in his Derby heat, with the icing in the bitter cake being Butt's four-week suspension for checking The Warp Drive with Mister D G.

Butt is undecided whether to appeal the decision but the way his luck is at present he might be safer taking a few weeks out of the sulky.