Pembrook Benny has been forced into a radical lead-up to Australasia's fastest race. But even a 70m handicap shouldn't be enough to stop him winning at Cambridge tonight.
The two-time Auckland Cup placegetter faces one of the biggest handicaps a New Zealand open-class star has been asked to start off in many years in tonight's lowly $6000 handicap pace. Despite that, TAB bookies will open him as short as $1.10.
Up against mainly three-win battlers he should overcome the long handicap but trainer Barry Purdon would rather be starting at the Alexandra Park meeting tomorrow night.
"I was disappointed he didn't get a start there to be honest," said Purdon.
"But he needs a race so I am thankful that he gets a race at all."