Racing: Prodigal son returns to his old home track

If you think four months on the sidelines has dented Mark Purdon's confidence you had better think again.

Because when harness racing's prodigal son returns to his old home track tonight he will do so brimming with confidence that he can achieve what not other horseman has this season - beat Mainland Banner.

Purdon will have his first starters at Alexandra Park since returning to training after his four-month disqualification last year.

That sort of time on the sidelines can not only knock a person's confidence but their timing, so crucial in the split-second environment of top-class racing.

But not Purdon, a man born to train and drive harness horses.

While he has not rushed back to the racetrack, letting stable driver Blair Orange do much of his driving since he got his licence back on January 1, Purdon is back to his best now.

Last week at Addington he trained four winners and was beaten a nose in another race and tonight he brings three starters to Alexandra Park, all of which can win.

Imagine That is the key stable rep as she has a realistic chance of downing the princess of pacing.

Mainland Banner was too good for Imagine That at Addington the last time they met but the aces are all in the latter's hand this week.

"I think we can beat her the way she (Imagine That) went last start," said Purdon.

"She felt right back to her best and if she leads this week I don't see how Mainland Banner could get around her and beat her.

"This is our best chance and I'd love to lead to maximise it."

Purdon produces one of the favourites, Carlos, in tonight's richest race, the PGG Wrightson Graduate, but says the draw may be enough to beat the son of Christian Cullen.

Carlos has impressed in both his public outings so far, winning a trial at Addington after a fast-finishing second in his first trial.

"He is a good two-year-old, without being a really top one just yet," warned Purdon.

"So from this draw I think he is going to need a bit of luck.

"It will be hard for him to give [brother] Barry's horse [Christian Warrior] a start and a beating."

Purdon believes Carlos could be a better chance of paying for his trip north if he draws well in next Friday's Cardigan Bay Stakes.

Purdon's other starter tonight is talented three-year-old filly Affairs Of State, who only just failed to grab Gretamaro in the Sales Series Pace last start. She will start from one on the second line tonight.

"She is a lovely filly but faces a tricky draw so a lot will depend what the horses in front of her do.

"But if she gets a clear run at them she will be hard."

Regardless of tonight's results the carnival will benefit from Purdon's return, bringing with him his army of punters.

"It is good to be back, especially for Cup week. I can't wait to get out there because I love Alexandra Park."