KEY POINTS:
Derek Balle is sticking to his guns over his belief Galleons Sunset doesn't have to lead to win Sunday's Dullard Cup at Moonee Valley.
But that may not stop him attempting to use those tactics anyway.
Pukekohe horseman Balle used to train the erratic trotter who is now prepared by Australia's leading trainer of squaregaiters, Chris Lang.
But Balle still retains the drive on Galleons Sunset, who rocked Australia's best trotters in the Bill Collins Mile at Moonee Valley three starts ago.
On that occasion he led throughout - as he has in most of his wins - yet Balle is adamant the big horse can be just as potent coming from behind. He just doesn't have any race night evidence to back those claims up.
"He doesn't have to lead, I know that because in trials he shows speed more like a pacer coming from back in the field," says Balle.
But considering the weakness of Sunday's line-up and the fact that Galleons Sunset can make a scorching beginning from a standing start, Balle realises he may be better using that weapon than blunting it - especially as fellow Kiwi trotter Whatsundermykilt faces a 20m handicap.
A fast beginning would see Galleons Sunset put a lot of horses between him and his arch-rival.
That was the case in last Saturday's heats when Galleons Sunset flew away from the 10m mark and was in front after 400m, only to slip and break at the 1300m. He recovered to storm home and missed grabbing Whatsundermykilt by a nose. "It was very wet. He was wearing bandages and I think one of them slipped down and caused him to skid," said Balle. "But it was a good run and if it hasn't flattened him, he will be a lot better this week."
With Victoria's two best trotters, Acacia Ridge and Sundon's Gift, missing, the two Kiwis should dominate.
Whatsundermykilt may be past his best but is suited by the torrid tempo of Australian racing and may simply be better than most of his rivals on Sunday.
If Galleons Sunset finds trouble again, it could still be a New Zealand victory.
Best of the Australians should be heat winner Viva La Fever and Jauriol, who was unlucky last Saturday.
