KEY POINTS:
It is the ultimate no-win situation.
After being slated by punters and some media for his drive on Stunin Cullen at Alexandra Park last Friday, Anthony Butt will almost certainly do the complete opposite in the second heat of the Derby tonight.
And he will almost certainly win.
Butt was abused by some punters last Friday after not putting Stunin Cullen into the race until it was too late, running home strongly from last for third.
But tonight, with a perfect draw at three in the second of the two Derby heats, he should be able to work straight to the front, control the race and win.
Which will, of course, have all those who abused him last Friday saying that is what he should have done then.
Still, not many people in harness racing would be as immune to criticism as Butt and you get the feeling he may even revel in a one-fingered salute to his critics.
Because regardless of the merits of his drive last week, it is impossible to see Stunin Cullen beaten tonight.
While he didn't race right up to his brilliant best last Friday, he has the luxury of being able to control the race tonight.
And in a heat where every driver wants a top finish to guarantee a Derby spot, reputation should get him home with Sleepy Tripp, Antares, Auditor General and Percy The Punter the next most likely qualifiers.
The first heat of the $600,000 Derby looks tougher though, with more unknown variables.
Highview Tommy will start favourite but Aslan was outstanding winning fresh-up last start and looks stronger after his summer break.
With the advantage of a better draw and his gate speed, Aslan could secure the easier trip and it wouldn't surprise to see him win again.
Highview Tommy is getting over his summer hormonal rush and looked back to his best last Friday so could win again without surprising.
While that pair will both qualify for the Derby, the real question is what to make of Bus To Harland and Tintin In America.
Both looked superstars on different sides of the Tasman last season but have raced below their best this summer.
Bus To Harland was disappointing in Australia before joining the Butt stable and faces a horror draw, while Tintin In America has been only average at the workouts and will do well to make the Derby final.
