KEY POINTS:
Michelle Wallis has an unusual problem with Marika heading into tonight's $20,000 Cambridge Cup.
She says the speedster has done too well since winning fresh-up at Alexandra Park last start.
Marika showed blistering speed when winning his debut from the Wallis stable last start and when his trainer says she is concerned with how well he has done since, she doesn't mean putting on weight.
"What has happened is the race has really brought him on mentally," explains Wallis.
"He is far more alert than he was before Alexandra Park and if I have any concern going into this week it is the standing start.
"The way he is switched on at the moment I couldn't be sure he will go away."
Marika has the advantage of champion driver Tony Herlihy, while the small field should mean there is not too much stalling at the start.
"He is very well and physically will be fitter so he will be hard to beat if he gets things right."
Marika will be a short-priced favourite for the event, especially as he shares the backmark with second favourite Metekhi.
He has been one of the stars of winter racing in the north but is a more potent force when he can race close to the pace.
But tonight's 20m handicap makes that seem unlikely.
Later in the night, Wallis will unleash another talented stable newcomer in Matter Of Pride (race eight).
He has not raced for nearly two years because of an injury suffered at the New Zealand Cup meeting in 2005.
Before that he was good enough to down open class pacer Badlands Bute in the Kumeu Stakes at Alexandra Park, suggesting he himself was destined for the top.
"He is working well but I think he may need a run or two, especially from his draw this week," said Wallis.
Best bet: Montel (race four)
Best each way: Smart Cullen (race six).
- NZPA
