Trainer Shane Tritton says that while a wide draw isn't usually considered ideal on a frontrunners' track, like Kaikoura, he prefers that to last week's ace draw.
"I was surprised how long he had to stand last week because he came into line first," said Tritton.
"So the main thing we were hoping for this week was a wider draw.
"And he should be fitter this week too as that was his first run for a while."
While Suave Stuey Lombo is likely to settle beyond midfield, his driver Lauren Panella is ultra aggressive, a fact not lost on her rivals, and when she moves she should be able to get handy without too many traffic concerns.
If Suave Stuey Lombo races up to his best form that could be enough to see him win and maybe earn third favouritism for next week's Cup.
His greatest danger should be the pacer who had even worse luck than him at Ashburton last Monday in Fly Like An Eagle.
He made a great beginning from the standing start only for a rein to come loose and see him duck to the inside of the track, where he followed the field around dangerously with trainer-driver Mark Purdon having no control over him.
His previous form was good and if he steps quickly he will be hard to catch over the 2400m.
The same applies to Easy On The Eye, whose chances will be dictated by what happens at the start, while Jarcullembra and Jimmy Johnstone have upset hopes if they behave while others do not.
The Cup is one of three features on today's card and all three could be decided by manners at the start.
Stent and Master Lavros clash in the $25,000 free-for-all, with their trainers keen to avoid mobile starts leading into Cup week. They have been too slick for their old opponents in recent weeks but with both capable of 56-second last 800m sectionals whoever gets in front of the other will be the one to beat.
The $50,000 Sales Series Pace brings together some in-form intermediate grade pacers with big futures but for all the depth of the field if Arden Rooney is able to lead and produce a performance mirroring his track record effort at Rangiora last start it will take something special to catch him.
The value in the race looks to be northerner Cyamach, who has been solid from a stand and has a brilliant sprint so would be dangerous if he could stalk the leaders.
