Racing: Howard Bromac to use secret weapon

Howard Bromac downed Napoleon (third) in the Auckland Cup last Saturday. Picture / Martin Sykes

Kirk Larsen is going to have to deploy his secret weapon a few months ahead of schedule.

And that is all punters need to know heading into tonight's $50,000 Flying Mile at Cambridge.

Larsen trains and drives Auckland Cup winner Howard Bromac, who will be the hot favourite for tonight's feature after his career-best performance at Alexandra Park last Saturday.

As the best horse in the race with the ace draw over the mile he looks a near certainty.

But there is one problem - Howard Bromac has never shown the sort of blazing gate speed that might be needed to hold the lead in the mad dash to the first bend.

But Larsen says he has a plan.

For over a year now the Southland horseman has been waiting to add blinds to Howard Bromac's gear to pump him up enough to show genuine gate speed.

He has been reluctant to do so because he did not want to stir the gelding up, particularly as most of his races are from standing starts.

But with tonight's race worth $50,000 and a host of mobile feature races coming up in Australia, Larsen says it is time to throw caution to the wind.

"He has always been a good beginner without being a real flyer from behind the gate," said Larsen.

"But I have always believed that once I put the blinds on him he would be able to show real zip.

"So that might be the key this week. I know I have to hold the lead to control the race and this is a good time to make a statement with him.

"If he can start showing real gate speed now it is going to earn him respect for his Australian trip."

Larsen says Howard Bromac has come through his group one win last Saturday in fine shape and will have no problem backing up tonight.

If he can show the gate speed to hold quick beginner Napoleon at the start there would appear to be few attackers and it should be race over because the lead or trail are the only places you want your horse to be at Cambridge.

Napoleon looks the biggest danger to Howard Bromac on all fronts.

He is in form, finishing a close third in the Auckland Cup at a distance further than his best.

He also has a great sprint record and loves Cambridge, so with his gate speed may be the only real threat to the favourite.

If he can cross Howard Bromac he may have enough acceleration to shoot clear just before the passing lane and hold on for the win.

But if he can't get the front then he is possibly racing for second.

Tribute has been going superb races without a lot of luck and has to be a trifecta chance and there will be plenty of interest in the performance of Likmesiah.

He has been freshened since a dismal start to his summer campaign and is back in the colours of regular trainer Mark Purdon, who has returned from his four-month disqualification.

It is unlikely to be a winning return on Likmesiah but his performance will go a long way to deciding whether Purdon presses on with an Australian campaign with the former age group star.