KEY POINTS:
Sly Flyin is back.
That was the feeling the veteran pacing hero gave driver Tony Herlihy this week as he prepares for Tuesday's $750,000 New Zealand Trotting Cup.
A huge cloud had hung over Sly Flyin's Cup campaign after he dropped out from the trail in the Ashburton Flying Stakes two weeks ago.
The performance was a rare poor one and with veterinary examinations shedding little light on the reasons, Herlihy and trainer Michelle Wallis were hoping for dramatic improvement in Tuesday night's Cup trial.
They got it as Sly Flyin produced the performance of the trial to run into third, pacing his last 800m in close to 55 seconds.
"He felt good and I think that run will do him the world of good," said Herlihy.
"We still don't really know what happened at Ashburton, maybe it was because he was dehydrated.
"But we can put that behind us now because he felt great on Tuesday and will be even better on Tuesday."
That makes Sly Flyin one of the value runners in a race which is developing into a great punting contest.
He is $15 with the bookmakers but could start longer on the day, especially after his Ashburton failure.
Herlihy and Wallis have taken the gamble of having Sly Flyin taken off the unruly and it looks set to pay off as he has drawn barrier three, giving him the opportunity to settle in front of the favourites.
"If he can do that then I think he can be in the finish," said Herlihy.
The champion driver has partnered three New Zealand Cup winners - Luxury Liner, Christopher Vance and Chokin - but says this year's Cup is one of the most open he has been in.
"It looks very even. We know Changeover and Monkey King are great horses but there are plenty of other chances."
