KEY POINTS:
Rival trainers aren't letting One Over Kenny's breakthrough open-class win scare them heading into tomorrow's Australasian Trotting Championships at Moonee Valley.
But her heat win last Saturday night has definitely made them sit up and take notice.
One Over Kenny announced her arrival as a force on the Australasian open class scene when she sat outside Interdominion champion Uncle Petrika and crushed him at Ballarat last week.
The 5-year-old mare had already performed well at the highest level in New Zealand but last Saturday was the first time she has been able to dominate open class opponents and look comfortable doing it.
The win has Australian bookmakers rating her a $2.30 chance to win tomorrow's A$150,000 race but rival trainers are not conceding defeat.
"She was very impressive last week but we can beat her," said Russell Thomson, who trains second favourite A Touch Of Flair.
The latter flashed home for second in the second heat of the series won by Glenbogle last Saturday night and Thomson says all he needs is luck to win.
"His last furlong last week was awesome and you wouldn't believe how good he has worked since.
"I'd love to see them go hard early because I know my fella will have plenty left at the finish."
That level of confidence is shared by Kiwi trainer Kevin Fairburn, who will produce Glenbogle and Whatsundermykilt, who finished second to One Over Kenny in last Saturday's heat.
"She is a fine mare but it could be a different sort of race this week," said Fairburn.
"I am very happy with my two and they have been there, done that before."
Both Thomson and Fairburn believe Uncle Petrika, who is remarkably rated a $31 chance in the race, could hold the key to the 3065m event.
"If he steps well and gets to the front then not only will he make a good staying test but he will hold out One Over Kenny," said Thomson.
"But if she rolls to the front then it becomes harder for us off the handicaps."
Trainer Phil Williamson is thrilled with how One Over Kenny has handled this week and is struggling to hide his excitement about tomorrow's race.
"She is spot on, absolutely perfect and I am very confident," said Williamson.
