By MICHAEL GUERIN
If Richard Carter has to say goodbye to his close mate he wants to do it in style.
So there is more than just money on the line when New York Fella tries for back-to-back wins in the $15,000 Showgrounds Pace at Alexandra Park tonight.
Carter bred the giant gelding and has trained him throughout his career, but is on the verge of selling his pride and joy.
A stunning win at Alexandra Park last week boosted the almost constant buyer interest in New York Fella and Carter says this time he may go.
"Nothing is concrete yet but he is under offer," said Carter, a Pukekohe policeman.
"It is hard racing a horse like him here because he doesn't race for great money sometimes.
"While I would be sad to see him go I still own his dam and I think racing in the United States would actually suit him. I am pretty sure he could pace a 1:50 mile over there."
One of the factors which could spark such improvement in New York Fella in the States is also one of the concerns for him tonight.
The 6-year-old has pulled very hard in his races this campaign, forcing driver Brent Mangos to launch him 1200m from home last week even though the pace was hot. That indicates he could be suited by the relentless tempo of United States mile racing.
Last week he paced his last 1600m in under 2:0 to easily hold out the late challenge of Pic Me Pockets, although the latter can be expected to improve on that comeback race.
Tonight's field also contains Classic Turbo and the New Zealand Cup-bound Kliklite but Carter believes New York Fella is the best pacer in the race.
"He could have won by a lot more last week. He just started to shut off when he got clear by so much."
The start will be crucial to the outcome. If Pic Me Pockets can step quickly he should find the front, from where he would be hard to run down.
But if New York Fella steps better, then Todd MacFarlane, who is reunited with the horse he steered through the grades as a 4-year-old because Mangos is committed to Kliklite, could try for the front.
And any mid-race battle between the pair would set the race up for a charging finish from Classic Turbo.
The latter has paced three big races this campaign and will appreciate the drop in class from his game third behind Holmes D G and Mac De Stroyer, with Yulestar fourth, last start.
As for Kliklite, even her undoubted may not be enough to see her overcome a 40m handicap, although she could make up much of that disadvantage if she makes one of her sensationally quick beginnings.
The race will be the highlight of the third strong punting meeting put together at Alexandra Park this month.
Tonight's card will be dominated by some short-priced favourites early, with Mark Purdon having a huge hand through workouts winner Falcon's Legacy in the first, last week's victim of circumstances Supa Dupa in the second, tough mare Matter Of Fact in the third and impressive debutant Rare Gem in the fifth.
But look for Barry Purdon's outstanding trotter Mountain Gold to show major improvement in the fourth.
He was parked on a strong pace during his return to the track last week and is better placed in both fitness and handicapping tonight.
The other standout tonight is Arainstorm in race six after his unbelievable debut last week when he paced one of the fastest maiden 2200m times at The Park and should only be better for the experience.
Racing: New York Fella under offer
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