Racing: Pair return to happy hunting grounds

Kirk Larsen knows why he loves Victoria but he can't work out why Howard Bromac enjoys it so much.

The pair of smalltown Southland boys return to Victoria this week, where Howard Bromac starts his Australian campaign in the A$50,000 ($54,000) Geelong Cup on Saturday night, clashing with fellow Kiwi pacers Mister D G and Harnetts Creek.

For Howard Bromac it is a return to one of his favourite hunting grounds as he prepares for the A$450,000 Hunter Cup at Moonee Valley on February 12.

Howard Bromac raced in Australia late in his three-year-old season and won at Geelong, Ballarat and Moonee Valley, the same three tracks he will race at this campaign.

But while the horse likes Victoria, Larsen actually fell in love in Victoria.

"I have always liked coming here but what makes it special for me is this is where I met my wife, Michelle," he said.

The couple have developed Larsen's stables into one of the most powerful in Southland and an established force at premier meetings.

Howard Bromac has been their flagship and that should continue in the next month as his three-race assault looks perfectly planned.

"He has the advantage of racing on three tracks he has won at in the past, which is always a help," said Larsen.

"And two of his races are standing starts and he is usually pretty good from a stand so I think he should be in for a good time over there."

Howard Bromac has been kept close by Australian bookies this week and is rated the $5.50 second favourite in the Geelong Cup, behind $2.70 shot The Warp Drive.

The latter is the brightest light on the horizon for those seeking a replacement to ageing pacing hero Sokyola.

Howard Bromac will get every chance to beat him on Saturday, though, as they both start from the front line and the Southlander's brilliance from a stand start could see him settle in front.

"If he steps as quickly as he usually does then I'd like to lead, especially around Geelong," Larsen admitted.

"Maybe I'd hand the lead to Harnetts Creek because I know he wouldn't stop and that would give us a shot at him up the passing lane, but I don't think I'd be handing up to any of the Australians."

Larsen warned punters that Howard Bromac would be slightly fitter for the Hunter Cup but said he would not be far off his peak this week.

"He had an easy week last week but only raced two weeks ago and the trip over wouldn't have tightened him up so I think he will be near enough.

"I have been thrilled with him all season and it has taken horses like Elsu and Just An Excuse to beat him in most of his races, so this is his chance."

Harnetts Creek has also drawn the front line on Saturday as he strives to give trainer John Parsons his first Australian win in harness racing, but he could be slightly below his best as he usually takes a few days to settle into new surroundings.

Mister D G was the forgotten horse in early markets, getting out to $6 with bookies willing to take a chance on him from his unruly starting position.

* At Harold Park tomorrow night, Pukekohe pacer Fake Denario continues his bid for an invitation to next week's Chariots of Fire.

The Steven Reid-trained 4-year-old takes on Southland superstar Roman Gladiator in a $20,000 event in which the first two home gain a start in next Friday's A$200,000 Chariots.

Roman Gladiator is certain to be in the Chariots so even a first-three finish from Fake Denario would be good enough to earn him a start.

He will be driven by local reinsman Darren Hancock from barrier five, while Roman Gladiator starts from barrier eight.