By MICHAEL GUERIN
MELBOURNE - The mysterious form patterns of pacing superstar Holmes D G became a little clearer yesterday.
Trainer-driver Barry Purdon has revealed that a virus was behind the millionaire pacer's dramatic failure in the Victoria Cup 11 days ago.
Holmes D G never got a chance to get into the race from a second line draw but still disappointed Purdon with his lacklustre finish.
The Grand Circuit champion bounced back with a free-for-all win at Moonee Valley last week and while he impressed many by sitting parked and outstaying Pocket Me, Purdon admits it was still not vintage Holmes D G.
"I had a blood test taken before the Victoria Cup which showed his white blood cell count was well down and that usually indicates something viral, unlike an infection which makes their levels go up.
"But it wasn't too serious and I had another test taken before last week's win and his levels had improved a lot."
That improvement has continued this week, boosting Purdon's confidence heading into Saturday night's $A400,000 Hunter Cup.
"The way he has been working, and just the way he looks this week, I think he is right back to his best."
Holmes D G will have to be, after being placed on a 20m backmark with Yulestar and Shakamaker in the Hunter Cup, but Purdon says the handicap may help.
"I would rather have him off the 20m mark than off 10m because I think he has a better chance of getting away from wide on the backmark where he has plenty of room to move."
Holmes D G cost punters plenty by breaking at the start of both the New Zealand and Auckland Cups this season. But in both races he was drawn on the front line, with little room to move.
His early-season Alexandra Park form in the past two years indicates he steps away safely when off backmarks following other horses out, so Saturday night may provide him with his best chance of a safe beginning in a feature race this season.
Purdon said Holmes D G's form on paper had been up and down, but there was usually a reason.
"I know it won't be easy to win the Hunter Cup because it is such a great field, but when I think back to his Auckland Cup run I know he can do it."
Holmes D G lost 40m early in the Auckland Cup and then sat parked for the last lap, only to be run down late into fourth, promoted to third.
However, Melbourne bookies have all but written Holmes D G off. He was at $17 with the Victorian TAB last night and is expected to start at around $15 on Saturday night.
Black Cam was still a clear favourite for the Cup last night but there were huge shows of supports yesterday for Kiwis Yulestar and Pocket Me.
Racing: Virus blamed for Holmes D G form
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