By MICHAEL GUERIN
STOCKHOLM - Lyell Creek faces one of the most daunting tasks ever undertaken by a New Zealand pacer when he lines up in the $1 million Elitlopp here on Monday.
To win, the New Zealand champion must first qualify for the final from one of the two heats. To do that, he must make the top four from the outside draw on the frontline, and is third favourite for that race.
Then, two hours later, he is likely to spot some of the world's top trotters ground at the start - unless he wins his heat - just weeks after being in the worst physical condition of his career.
Lyell Creek has had a gruelling time getting this far. There was the 40-hour flight, a significant change in diet and new sulkies to adjust to. Then consider the Elitlopp will probably be won in a time over two seconds quicker than Lyell Creek has ever gone before.
The Butt brothers, trainer Tim and driver Anthony, are optimistic.
"I know it is more realistic thinking that Lyell will have done a great job just to have made the final, and maybe we should be happy with that," Tim Butt said. "But you don't get to be the world champion aiming for the bottom, you get there by aiming for the top."
Racing: It's all uphill for our champ Lyell Creek
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