Tim Butt is sending a boy to do a man's job at Alexandra Park tonight - an extremely talented boy.
Take A Moment has no right to be this good this early in his career.
When he steps on to the track for the HIH Insurance Trot he will be having just his 10th start but will be up against Rowe Cup winner Mountain Gold.
Butt knows he is asking a lot of the horse many people are rating the heir to Lyell Creek's crown as the King Of Trotting.
"This is a big test for him because he is well up in class and on a different track than he is used to," said trainer Butt, whose team has been in blistering form.
"But I think he is up to it. He is sensible and good gaited so I don't think the track will be a concern.
"And the last field he raced against at Addington was also pretty handy and he won that easily enough."
Butt has only trained Take A Moment for three starts - for three outstanding wins - and has resisted the temptation to work him against champion stablemate Lyell Creek.
"I think Lyell would have the wood on him at the moment because he just doesn't stop.
"But this horse only does what he has to at the moment and I think he can win again."
There will be those willing to get against Take A Moment as Alexandra Park can often trip up southern visitors and both Mountain Gold and Last Sunset could take advantage of any mistake the newcomer makes.
Mountain Gold is racing in his best form for a year and can make a flyer from a stand. That coupled with the small field makes him a serious contender even from a 50m handicap.
Butt will also hold a strong hand in the $20,000 Summer Cup, the final Auckland Cup lead-up in which he will produce Happy Asset and Pocket Me against track specialist Agua Caliente.
"Happy Asset has really blossomed lately, as he always does when he comes to Auckland, and he would be the better of our two hopes in that race.
"He can do more work in his races these days and also has the manners to get over the handicap.
"Pocket Me has improved a lot lately and would be a show if he trailed and the pace was solid."
Butt's other newcomer is Are You Sure but he warns he will be an improver through the carnival.
"He hasn't had a trial since winning at Ashburton so will be going in a little fresh. He will keep getting better with every start up here and should win at least one over the next three weeks."
While Butt rates Happy Asset a good chance in the Summer Cup, favouritism will fall to Agua Caliente, returning from his triumphant Addington assault.
"He returned home on the plane on Tuesday and that makes all the difference to him," said trainer Peter Wolfenden.
"He has done plenty of work since he last raced at Addington and that recent racing should also help him step way tonight because he won't be so perky."
While Agua Caliente is best from behind the mobile he has produced some unbelievable efforts off backmarks at Alexandra Park and should go close to securing Auckland Cup favouritism tonight.
Racing: Newcomer up to big assignment
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