It is not often having the worst draw in the strongest race is a good thing but it could actually help Ohoka Samson qualify for the Breeders Crown final.
The Auckland juvenile faces a tricky draw in his A$20,000 semifinal at Bendigo tomorrow night, where he is one
of three Kiwis chasing spots in finals on Sunday week.
For Ohoka Samson that could mean a shot at the payday of a lifetime with the Breeders Crown final worth almost $400,000.
First he has to qualify, which doesn't look all that easy from his prohibitive draw, yet a little-known rule change for this series may help.
Usually the first five from each semifinal are guaranteed a spot in the juveniles finals of the Breeders Crown, but this season that has changed to the first four in each semifinal plus the two fastest other losers.
Which means if you are in the faster semifinal you could finish sixth and still make the final.
It is unlikely to come to that for Ohoka Samson but it must provide at least some comfort for his champion trainer-driver Tony Herlihy.
The pair have drawn the stronger of the two semis but may have to beat only four rivals home, which you would back the cunning Herlihy to do any day of the week.
But that doesn't make the Kiwi pacer a good betting proposition - probably the complete opposite - as Herlihy knows his first job is to qualify. Winning is of secondary importance.
The two Kiwi fillies competing in semis tomorrow night, Lizzie Maguire and Twist N Shout, look far better chances.
Lizzie Maguire has also drawn the second line but has a decided class edge in a different heat from arch-rival Kept For Pleasure. At her best she could sit parked and still win in a race where Cambridge filly Luminescence makes her debut for new trainer Lance Justice.
Twist N Shout has drawn perfectly at barrier two in the opening race of the night and with her gate speed and toughness she will be well supported. It is hard to see her missing a final spot if she races up to anything like her New Zealand form.
