Racing: Purdon ready for last night at Moonee

Barry Purdon is hoping to squeeze one more drop of magic out of Moonee Valley.

The New Zealand training great returns to the track where he has tasted so much success in the past two decades when he lines Pembrook Benny up in the Hunter Cup on the final ever night of harness racing at the Valley.

While Pembrook Benny faces a tricky second line draw in the A$400,000 classic, Purdon is thrilled just to be part of the track's send-off before Melton becomes the home of Melbourne harness racing.

"I'm really looking forward to the night because it has been a great track to us over the years," said Purdon.

"We have won a lot of big races there, with Chokin and Homer (Holmes D G), Surprise Package and Vic's Vance.

"It is a bit sad to see it closing but that is progress and it is going to be a great last night."

Purdon has been eyeing tonight's Cup with Pembrook Benny all season, with the 5-year-old's manners and racing style suggesting it is his best chance this season to win a major cup.

And while he hasn't raced for four weeks, Purdon is adamant Pembrook Benny is where he needs to be physically.

He paced pleasing sectionals at the Pukekohe trials last week, cruising his last 800m in 56 seconds.

"He felt sharp and I am very happy with where he is at," said Purdon.

"It won't be easy from the draw but if he can stay handy he will have a chance."

While his draw has seen him drift to around $15 with bookmakers, Pembrook Benny could sneak a good run through as he is drawn behind usually safe beginners in Karloo Mick and Power Of Tara, so he looks great each-way value.

The race will provide plenty of options for punters, with few of the 14 starters without a winning chance.

Favourite Bettor's Strike has been in awesome form but the 10m handicap is not ideal and he will need all of Dexter Dunn's skills to get him home.

Fellow Canterbury pacer Bondy has come in for support after his track record win in an easier race at Ballarat last week, while Smoken Up will have his usual strong support even after recent soreness rumours.

But the best each-way chance in the race could be veteran Karloo Mick.

He is good from a stand so should take advantage of barrier one and should then be no worse than handy on the markers, the position most Hunter Cups are won from.

The night's other features are the A$200,000 Victoria Derby, with two New Zealand hopes, and the A$250,000 Interdominion Trot, in which former Kiwi trotter Sundon's Gift is $1.50 to defend the title he won last season.

VALE TO THE VALLEY
* A$250,000 Interdom Trot Final, 10.02pm NZ time.
* A$200,000 Victoria Derby, 10.32pm
* A$400,000 Hunter Cup, 11.30pm.Looks like best chance this season for Pembroke Benny to win a major cup