By MICHAEL GUERIN
BRISBANE - One of the biggest plunges of the harness racing season could come unstuck at Albion Park tonight.
New Zealand trotter Take A Moment has gone into this Interdominion series heavily backed with major Australian bookmakers.
The plunge started two months ago when those close to the Tim Butt stable knew Lyell Creek would not be contesting this series.
Big bets were placed on Take A Moment, the five-year-old who started the season a maiden but whose form has been so impressive Butt rates him the second best trotter in New Zealand.
Some of those punters got as much as 10-1 for Take A Moment and they were feeling pretty smug when Lyell Creek was withdrawn and Take A Moment's odds got as short as $3.50.
But in the last two months his form has been mixed, and he goes into tonight's heat only third favourite for the Grand Final at $5.50.
The rot set in when he galloped when set to win at Addington three starts ago, was beaten by Major Decision after having an easy time in front in the New Zealand Trotting Champs two starts ago and then galloped at the start of his Interdom heat on Saturday night.
He still recovered to run sixth but trotted roughly up the home straight in a performance that concerned Butt.
"I think he went all right, but only all right. He will need to improve tonight."
Of greater concern than his form is Take A Moment's manners, because if he gallops at the start again tonight he could even miss a place in Saturday night's $A200,000 Final.
"I don't know why he galloped the other night, usually he is a fast beginner. It is a bit of a concern."
Take A Moment has to run in the first six to make the Final which poses a tough question for driver Anthony Butt - does he drive the gelding conservatively and make sure of a Final spot or does it throw caution to the wind and drive with the aggression needed to win tonight's heat.
Even at his best Take A Moment would have his work cut out against Mountain Gold, who returned to his best form in staggering fashion on Saturday night.
He will start a warm favourite even from the 30m backmark in a heat that will be dominated by the Kiwis.
Sundon's Way pushed Mountain Gold close on Saturday night but should have beaten him. It is hard to see him turning the tables tonight.
But his stablemate Last Sunset will provide trainer Mark Purdon with some early cheer as he looks unbeatable in the earlier trotting heat.
The series favourite is drawn to find the front and with the other stars in the second heat it is impossible to see him being run down.
"He handled the track beautifully on Saturday night and while winning Interdominion heats is never easy, I think he should be too good," said champion driver Tony Herlihy.
Racing: Plunge in danger of becoming unstuck
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