Young New Zealand reinsman Shane Walkinshaw won't get a better chance to taste his first success on Australian soil than on harness racing's biggest stage tonight.
The Canterbury reinsman looks perfectly placed to grab some Interdominion glory when he partners Whatsundermykilt in the fourth and final trotters' heatat Globe Derby.
Whatsundermykilt has drawn by far the weaker of tonight's two trotting heats and, with only nine rivals, his 10m handicap looks far from imposing.
That makes tonight's race far easier than Walkinshaw's first major Australian assignment with Whatsundermykilt, when he had to take on series favourite A Touch Of Flair and Glenbogle in the Australian Trotting Grand Prix last month.
On that occasion he finished a game second, the same position he filled on the opening night of the series last Friday.
After a remarkable start to this season, capped by winning the $150,000 Dominion Handicap, the young driver and his favourite horse are now looking to take things to the next level.
Trainer Kevin Fairburn is confident they can do so, with Whatsundermykilt having handled last weekend's trip from Melbourne to Adelaide better than stablemate Glenbogle.
"Glenbogle took a few days to settle in and get back on his food but the other fella has been fine," said Fairburn.
While that statement suggests Whatsundermykilt should be a warm favourite tonight, it doesn't boost the confidence with Glenbogle.
He takes on new arch-rival A Touch Of Flair in tonight's first heat, one which will have a far greater impact on the betting for next Saturday's A$200,000 Trotting Final.
Glenbogle has a 10m start over A Touch Of Flair, but the latter's last two wins have been outstanding and as a smaller horse he looks better placed on the tight track.
