KEY POINTS:
Don't be too put off by All Promises' lack of standing start experience at Alexandra Park tonight.
Because trainer Shannon Price is not letting it worry her.
The Queensland trainer is hardly thrilled her mare has to tackle hardened older opponents in a 2700m standing start race tonight as she strives to win at least another $4000 to guarantee her spot in the Harness Jewels.
But she also doesn't think it is a disaster.
Prince was hoping a much easier fillies and mares race would get off the ground tonight but instead she has been pitched in with former Auckland Cup winner Mi Muchacho in what will be her first race-night standing start.
"Personally, I don't think the standing start will be a big problem because she is a very sensible mare," said Price. "She has been good from behind the tapes at home and while I don't expect her to be fast away I also don't expect her to gallop."
All Promises was a gutsy but distant third to Monkey King in last Friday's Messenger Championship and with a good beginning could test her older rivals tonight.
But if she was to be even a few strides slow and lets the likes of Mi Muchacho get alongside her then she may be running for place money.
That wouldn't be the end of her Jewels dream though, with the mare having another race next week.
While Mi Muchacho has yet to win this season he gets his chance tonight providing he can step quickly from his 40m back-mark and tag on to the back of the field.
If he can't the race opens up, with Nicky Hanover a good each-way chance under conditions that suit.
