Racing: Strength may be Achilles heel

Delft's strength may be his downfall when he trots into the Interdominion spotlight tonight.

The giant who has emerged from obscurity to become the most exciting squaregaiter in Australasia could shorten into favouritism for the trotting series if he wins tonight's second heat.

The only problem is Delft is so strong he may turn champion driver Tony Herlihy into a passenger and become his own worst enemy.

Herlihy admits the start of the 2200m heat will be "interesting", which is a nice way of saying: "I hope he doesn't rip my arms out of their sockets."

Delft pulled ferociously hard last time he raced, bolting 10 lengths clear at the 600m mark as Herlihy tried in vain to restrain him. He still won.

His crazy-horse display was partly because he was striking his hooves against his sulky, which has since had extensions added, but he is such a hot-head trainer Michelle Wallis usually works him alone to keep him calm.

Tonight's race will be Delft's first mobile start since returning from an unsuccessful career in the United States two years ago. In the United States horses leave the mobile gate like they are being chased by wildcats, so you can imagine trying to control the 600kg of muscle that if Delft if he has a flashback tonight.

"That is my biggest concern, that he might get a little too stirred up if I asked him to run early," said Herlihy.

"I believe he is up to these horses but no matter how good you are you can't over-race in this grade."

Herlihy might hold the key to both trotting heats as in the first he will drive the value option, Allegro Agitato.

The southern mare is the forgotten horse of the series but has been trialling well, loves mobile racing and has a great record fresh.

Her biggest concern tonight may be her draw on the outside of the front line but in what could be a very tactical race she is worth taking the chance on.

Herlihy's influence over the trotting heats is mirrored by arch-rival Anthony Butt, who will partner the two champions Lyell Creek (first heat) and Take A Moment.

Lyell Creek has worked superbly in the last two weeks and only needs to hold the lead from barrier one to be the horse to beat. But that may not be as easy as it sounds.

Take A Moment's mission may not be as urgent tonight in what will be his first race in 14 months.

He has looked fit but not razor sharp at the workouts and drawn outside Delft he may look for cover early and be running on at the finish.

Add in Australian stars Sumthingaboutmaori and Sammy Do Good, both of whom have the class to topple the Kiwis, Glenbogle, Paris Metro, Pompallier, Whatsundermykilt, Gold and Castleton's Mission and you have the most competitive trotting series since 1997.

But that puzzle should be a lot clearer by 10pm.