KEY POINTS:
Trainer Paul Kerr is hinting at a shock change of tactics with speed machine Pay Me Christian at Alexandra Park tonight.
The racey four-year-old has developed into one of the most feared sprinters in Australasia, courtesy of a 1:52.8 mile in November and an incredible fourth in the Miracle Mile a week later.
That makes him one of the favourites for the Taylor Mile in a fortnight and, with that being his next major aim, Kerr says tonight's open class pace at Alexandra Park is simply an expensive lead-up race.
"Sure we would like to win but the main thing is to get ready for the Taylor Mile," admitted Kerr.
"He hasn't been to the workouts since the Auckland Cup and while he will be ready to go a big race I am not sure he will be at his peak."
With that in mind Kerr says he wouldn't be perturbed if driver David Butt was willing to take a trail tonight, which would be unusual for Pay Me Christian when he was drawn to lead.
The stallion hasn't raced since disgracing himself in the Auckland Cup, causing a false start before galloping on the first lap.
"It isn't something I am worried about happening again because it was just circumstances on the night," said Kerr.
"He had a horror trip in, spending one and a half hours on the motorway and then Nick Off Holme [stablemate] was in season, which got him all fired up. By the time he got on the track he was too excited and just went to pieces."
Pay Me Christian's arch-rival, Monkey King, will also use tonight's race as a lead-up to the Taylor Mile and looked short of his best at the workouts last week so should be a big improver.
That leaves open class warrior Sly Flyin as the horse to beat, providing he has recovered from an amazing run in the Easter Cup and the long trip home.
