Racing: Kiwi foil to Fake ending

Changeover will be racing for more than just a place in the Interdominion Final when he takes on Blacks A Fake tomorrow night.

The New Zealand Cup hero will be trying to claim back respect and, perhaps more importantly, confidence by taking out the toughest heat of the series.

After a confusing summer during which he has often raced a crucial few percentage points below his best, Changeover looked to be turning the corner with a fighting second in his opening heat last Saturday.

And with trainer Geoff Small believing the wonderful stallion may still be improving, tomorrow night's last heat provides him with the perfect chance to make an Interdominion statement.

From barrier two, Changeover needs to show gate speed and then driver David Butcher has an outstanding opportunity to fully restore the Auckland 5-year-old's confidence.

If he is able to stay in front and then hold off Blacks A Fake, Changeover will come out of the heat a serious Grand Final threat.

If he if forced to take a trail - or worse, is crushed by Blacks A Fake - he risks becoming a mere support act next week.

Small believes his stable star is ready to stand up.

"I think he is on the improve again," said Small.

"He has had a tough summer in some ways but he didn't race for four weeks before the Auckland Cup. He was a better horse last week and I think will keep heading upwards.

"This week, he has a rare chance to get to the marker pegs and I think that could be ideal for him.

"And, yes, a win would be good for his confidence."

Small says the final decision on whether Changeover attempts an all-the-way victory would be left to Butcher.

"And that also factors in just how much pressure he comes under but I think it could suit him trying to stay in front."

If Changeover can lead, it sets up a fascinating battle, with trainer-driver Natalie Rasmussen declaring last night she would move to sit parked with Blacks A Fake - and stay there.

"I will be having a shot for the lead but, if we can't get there, I won't be handing up the parked position."

If Blacks A Fake can sit parked outside Changeover and beat him, a shiver will pass through the connections of the other winning chances in the series.

While that heat will be the most telling tomorrow night, the most anticipated will be Auckland Reactor's bid for redemption in the eyes of punters in the second heat.

With new driver Tony Herlihy in the sulky, he has to overcome a second-line draw and first night winner I Am Sam.

But Auckland Reactor has drawn behind a fast beginner in In Monaco and could well settle handy before looking for the front.

A win tomorrow night will put his series back on track. Defeat would be costly in many ways.

Mr Feelgood also faces a second line draw but that could suit him in the first heat, where Karloo Mick has the draw to be the biggest danger.

ROUND TWO
* Changeover and Blacks A Fake clash in the hottest heat of the Interdominion series tomorrow.
* With his best draw in a long time, it is Changeover's chance to make a statement before next week's A$1 million final.
* Fellow Kiwis Auckland Reactor and Mr Feelgood face second line- draws in their semifinals.