Racing: Small decision could pay big dividends

The first masterstroke of the open class season might start paying dividends at Addington tonight.

The meeting features the first real pointer of the new harness racing season to the $500,000 New Zealand Trotting Cup on November 14, with second favourite Roman Gladiator joined by other likely contenders The Flying Doctor, Bobs Blue Boy and Winforu.

But it is the latter who can feel like a winner even before stepping on to the track.

Trainer Geoff Small took the huge risk last week of sending Winforu south for his New Zealand Cup build-up, even though at the time that put him on a collision course with Mainland Banner, Foreal and Howard Bromac.

But just a week later the southern open class ranks don't look anywhere as daunting as the northern ones, with Mainland Banner doubtful to be seen this spring and Foreal unlikely to race much here before heading to Australia.

"It was a tough call because taking on Mainland Banner was never going to be easy," admitted Small.

"But with her out of the way I think we have pulled the right rein. It is up to the horse to prove that now."

Winforu would appear to have been robbed of his greatest weapon in tonight's $20,000 Avon City Ford Cup, with his second line draw negating his blazing gate speed.

But Small says the draw could be ideal.

"He follows out Marika, who is quick off the gate so we should get a good cart through early and then David (Butcher, driver) can decide whether to stay on the markers or come off. Either way we should be nice and close to the pace."

Winforu resumed in a race he could not win at Cambridge two weeks ago but still made good ground off his 45m handicap, suggesting he is not too far away from the form that made him one of the best performed Kiwi pacers in Australia last season.

"He has come back well and I think he should be in for a good spring."

Much of the interest tonight will settle on Roman Gladiator, having his first start for new trainers David and Catherine Butt.

The former superstar three-year-old returned to racing at Alexandra Park over the winter but even though he was able to win in mid-grade company he understandably lacked the usual brilliance.

He looked sharper at the trials last week and should start favourite tonight, even from his second line draw, if he deserves his place as second favourite in the New Zealand Cup.

Tonight's 2600m mobile event provides the toughest test in the career of The Flyin Doctor, who has looked a topliner since joining the Tim Butt stable three years ago.

He has worked his way to peak fitness with three wins in lower grades and driver Anthony Butt believes he can continue the winning sequence tonight.

"It won't be easy but he is a good horse and does have a slight advantage in the draws over some of the big guns.

"It will be a good test as to his chances later in the spring."

Tonight's feature is unusual in that it is the last of just eight races on the night, meaning the $100,000 Pick6 begins on race three.

Those chasing it need look no further than Jasmyn's Gift in race six as their anchor.