KEY POINTS:
If the best version of Back To Basics turns up at Alexandra Park today, he should win.
But that is the concern for trainer-driver Richard Brosnan - he doesn't know if the best of his talented pacer will be on show.
When Back To Basics first arrived in
the north last season, he was good enough to place in good Friday-night company.
But in recent starts he has struggled to live up to that promise, not finding the line as well as Brosnan would like.
"That is why we are dropping him back to a Tuesday meeting," he said yesterday. "The last few starts he felt like he was going great at the 400m, but didn't kick home like he can.
"Maybe the drop in class will help and if he races up to his best he should win, but I would be careful."
Back To Basics will have to overcome a second-line draw in race six, but does follow out some quick beginners and is also aided by the small field.
He is not Brosnan's only winning chance, with Monayzmyname looking the one to beat in race two.
He has been racing well in far better maiden fields but faces the outside draw.
"That is a worry but he is going well enough to win. If he has any luck I think he has to go close."
Brosnan said his representative in the first race, Milldorf, could also salute the judge, with luck.
"On her work at home she shouldn't be a maiden," said Brosnan.
"But she isn't quite as good on raceday.
"We had a few problems with the pull-down blinds last start, but if they work today maybe she can turn her form around."
Today's meeting has an early start, at 12.20pm.
* Top junior driver Dexter Dunn looks likely to add to his 28 wins this season when he treks from Christchurch for today's Invercargill meeting.
Two of his drives are trained by father Robert.
The first is talented mare Veecmee, who has been racing well without much luck at Addington.
"She is a good mare and even though she has drawn the second line that may not be a bad thing," said Dunn. "It might be hard to beat Suvarno Hanover from barrier one but we will go close."
Dunn will partner Rider On The Storm in race seven, which is confined to junior drivers, and after two impressive recent wins the pair must be hard to beat.
"Again, he has drawn the second line but often in the juniors' races they go hard so being out of the rush early might suit him," said Dunn.
"He is racing well and could do some work and still go close."
Rider On The Storm clashes with one of Southland's most promising young pacers in Loch Nagar, who has won two of only three starts and looks a potential derby horse.
The meeting starts at 3.05pm.
- NZPA