KEY POINTS:
The Monkey and Bailey are getting better - but whether they are improving quickly enough is the question.
That is trainer Steven Reid's take on tonight's Kumeu Founders Cup, in which he lines up Monkey King and Baileys Dream.
The pair cost themselves any winning chance in the Spring Cup two weeks ago by galloping away, although both made good ground afterwards.
Reid says that have both improved, particularly Monkey King. "He is fizzing," he said. "I am really happy with where he is and he will be a lot better horse this week.
"But he might need to be. I think Awesome Armbro will be the horse to beat this week because of the handicaps, while Changeover is always tough."
Reid says Monkey King's winning chances could depend on the start, for two reasons.
If he misses away, as he does in about half his standing start races, he will need a miracle to win, while Reid is just as concerned about what Changeover does at the start.
"If Changeover happened to step really quickly and get up with the leaders, or even end up in front, we would be flat catching him.
"So that first 500m could be everything."
He said Baileys Dream may still be behind Monkey King in fitness.
