KEY POINTS:
Champion driver Maurice McKendry warns punters to disregard Mystic Mink's performance at Alexandra Park last Friday - he already has.
McKendry trains and drives the much-improved mare who cost punters plenty when she finished last in a six-horse field last Friday behind many of the rivals she meets in tonight's $15,000 Dexion Pace.
Last week as second favourite she failed to take advantage of a front-line draw when she was slow away and McKendry lost an early speed duel, effectively ending her chances.
"I thought I'd have a go for the front and I was pretty keen to get there because there was no point sitting parked," he said. "But the other fella wouldn't hand up and that was pretty much it for us."
McKendry believes tonight's 2700m event may pan out better for Mystic Mink with the chance to follow the speed while the bigger field could put more traffic between her and key rivals Zenad and Retail Therapy, who both start from the 30m backmark.
"If we can stay a few horses in front of them we have a chance to beat them but those back markers are the ones to worry about."
McKendry is confident he has two or three other each-way chances in a solid book of drives tonight.
He has been impressed by the recent performances of Isa Good Looking, who drops in class in race eight.
"He has been running on well and this race looks a bit easier. I think he is better than last campaign and he will be hard to beat."
He also rates BK Commando in race three and Jonny English in the following event.
"BK Commando will be better suited by the 2700m this week because she was chasing all the way last start. And I liked Jonny English last week when I drove him for the first time."
Tonight' $150,000 Pick6 starts earlier than usual on race four.
