By MICHAEL GUERIN
Todd MacFarlane's dream took a giant step closer to becoming reality last night.
It has been 13 years since the-then 16-year-old left Christchurch armed only with enthusiasm and a love of standardbreds.
But when he returns in November he will be armed with something a little more tangible. Like a serious New Zealand Cup contender in Mac De Stroyer.
Mac De Stroyer guaranteed himself a shot at harness racing's holy grail with a huge win in the $20,000 Spring Cup at Alexandra Park last night.
He stepped quickly and dictated the terms, pacing his last 800m in 56.5s, his final 400m in 27.7s to outsprint trailer Kliklite and Yulestar in the first open class feature of the northern season.
For MacFarlane, the chance to return to his home town with a New Zealand Cup horse is the culmination of an incredible start to his training career.
"I remember going back to Christchurch with horses like Christopher Vance and Chokin when I was working for Barry Purdon and that felt like a dream come true," he said.
"But to be going back with a horse I train myself for the Cup is special because it is the race all southerners dream of when you are growing up."
MacFarlane admits Mac De Stroyer may have to continue to improve to be among the favourites for the Cup but says last night's win was not purely because of superior fitness.``I think he will improve as much as most of them with that run because he has only had the two workouts this campaign, just like the rest of them.
"While I couldn't have scripted the race, better because I was able to lead and set my own tempo, he still has to be good enough to win."
The victory was especially lucrative for MacFarlane and his parents, who own the 5-year-old Caprock gelding, as it earned them a $10,000 performance bonus for reaching open class from maidens at Alexandra Park.
While beaten, Kliklite was game in second, with trainer Irvin Behrns suggesting the mare is still 15kg over her perfect racing weight.
But the run of the race outside the winner came from Yulestar, who flew into third after four deep on the fence for most of the race.
The giant pacer made up several lengths on the winner, a stunning effort considering the final sectionals.
"That was an unbelievable run and he will improve a hell of a lot with that,'' said driver Tony Shaw of last season's Hunter Cup winner.The disappointment of the race was favourite Holmes D G, who was pushed wide by Yulestar at the 400m but failed to show any real zip in the straight.
"I am not too worried by the run because he might have needed it,'' said trainer-driver Barry Purdon. ``Being pushed wide wouldn't have help him any but I think he could have run on a little bit better.'' Earlier in the night a gear change worked the oracle for Cool Hand Royce when he downed hot favourite Clutch Cargo in the second leg of Pick Six.
Cool Hand Royce had disappointed in his previous two outings but raced without removable ear plugs last night and showed renewed vigour to run down Clutch Cargo after trailing him throughout, sizzling over his final 400m in 27.4s.
Racing: Big chance at triumpant return to home town
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