Racing: Mixing it with big boys

Brent Mangos is adamant Mr Williams can beat the north's best pacers such as Baileys Dream - just not tonight at Alexandra Park.

Mr Williams returns to racing for trainer-driver Mangos in tonight's main pace, where he clashes with Sly Flyin, Baileys Dream and Badlands Bute.

That trio are using tonight's free-for-all as their final lead-up to the New Zealand Cup in November 14 whereas Mr Williams is taking the first step in his open class career.

And Mangos says while the five-year-old pacer has what is takes to be a force in the big time, he won't be showing it tonight.

"I think punters need to realise that coming back at this level you can't beat these type of horses when you are fresh," said Mangos.

"Don't get me wrong, I am sure he [Mr Williams] will measure up in open class this season but this race is simply a kick off point.

"He has to start somewhere and with there only being seven starters we can maybe get a sit and run on at the end.

"But those top horses will be too fit for him."

Mr Williams has pleased Mangos with his two recent workout performances but his main aim early in this campaign in the Franklin Cup, moved to December 31.

"That is where we are heading so he still has a lot of improvement in him."

While Mangos knows where Mr Williams stands fitness-wise, rival trainer Steven Reid admits he is not so sure about Baileys Dream.

The outstanding pacer has not raced for three weeks, having missed the Kumeu Cup after a poor blood report.

Reid then gave Baileys Dream an easy time so he has only had three hoppled runs since his last-start second to Sly Flyin.

"He can race so good fresh it may not bother him but we really are going into this race a bit unsure of where he stands," said Reid.

"I think he will be fine but if he isn't I'll be scratching the old melon this close to the New Zealand Cup."

With the fitness concerns over Mr Williams and the confusion over the exact condition of Baileys Dream, tonight's 2700m event looks perfect for Sly Flyin.

The veteran has returned from injury to win both his starts this season, beating most of those he meets tonight even after giving them a start.

Back to free-for-all conditions tonight - albeit off the unruly - he deserves to start favourite.

After his 10-month break from the track because of injury he should only be fitter for his last two starts and only an early mistake or bad luck could keep him out of the finish.

Tonight's small field could make for a tricky tactical race and one that could suit Badlands Bute, who is racing well and has fitness on his side.

While Mangos is not getting carried away with Mr Williams tonight he is far more confident with the gelding's half-sister Slangevar in the last race.

She debuted with an effortless win at Cambridge this month and has trialled well since right-handed.

"If she wins this we are going to make the late payment for the Sires' Stakes Fillies series because I think she is good enough to be in that."

The other highlight on tonight's programme will Our Sunny Whiz's seemingly unstoppable march to stardom.

The five-year-old trotting mare has won her two starts this season in awesome fashion and will be red hot to make it a treble in the main trot.

She does meet a talented opposition off a tricky mark but her last-start win suggested there are few trotters in the country she has to fear.

Cup trial

* Three of the north's best pacers have their final New Zealand Cup trial tonight.

* Sly Flyin deserves to start favourite after two wins so far this season.

* The trainers of Mr Williams and Baileys Dream have both admitted their charges may not be at their peak for tonight's free-for-all.

* The Alexandra Park meeting also sees freakish trotter Our Sunny Whiz in action.