Racing: Lang has final all parcelled up

A quick look at the A$250,000 Interdominion Trotting Final tomorrow night suggests Sundon's Gift only has to hold the front to win.

"And if that is the case then they won't beat us," says trainer-driver Chris Lang matter-of-factly.

Lang should have a pretty good idea - not only has he trained the past two Interdom Trot Final winners but he also trains the biggest danger to Sundon's Gift tonight in Skyvalley.

The pair went into last Saturday's heats as equal favourites but after Skyvalley over-raced and faded to fifth in his heat and consummate professional Sundon's Gift won his, the latter became the hot favourite.

And he became everybody's pick on Tuesday when he drew barrier one for the last major trot to be held at Moonee Valley.

While some of those drawn outside him have shown good gate speed, most recently Heyzeal in her heat last week, Lang has no fears of Sundon's Gift being crossed from barrier one.

"He has developed really high gate speed since his trip to Scandinavia last year," says Lang.

"To be honest he has come back a different horse. He is stronger, more tractable and trots a lot better.

"And, most importantly, he has learnt how to trot off the gate fast because they really fly the gate up there.

"So I am certain he will hold the front and we will be staying there. It will take something very special to beat him."

Sundon's Gift has looked a more complete trotter this season then when he beat One Over Kenny in the final last year and tomorrow's race is nowhere near as strong.

If he leads as Lang expects only a lapse in manners or below par performance could beat him.

Lang is not too concerned by Skyvalley's ferocious over-racing last week and expects the exciting trotter to settle better tomorrow night, especially as he is likely to be restrained at the start.

"He is still learning and if things go his way he can still be a danger but I think he would need a lot of mid-race pressure to have any real chance.

"Maybe next year will be his time."

The New Zealand TAB has Sundon's Gift, who like so many in the race started his career in New Zealand, a $1.50 favourite.