Racing: Butt confident of qualifying Mr Feelgood for final

One of Anthony Butt's greatest strengths is knowing his rivals.

And the meticulous form student is hoping that level of inside knowledge could, tonight, be enough to sneak defending champion Mr Feelgood into the Interdominion Final.

Mr Feelgood goes to Newcastle needing to finish no worse than third in the strongest heat of the night to qualify for the A$1 million final tomorrow week.

He faces three-time Inter champion Blacks A Fake, comeback pacer Baileys Dream and speedy Aucklander Pembrook Benny, meaning driver Butt knows he has his work cut out.

"We have definitely drawn the toughest heat but I had a really good look at the points table and if we finish third we would be unlucky to miss the final," said Butt.

His tactics in the do-or-die event will be decided by the attitude of Baileys Dream, who is drawn alongside. "I have seen plenty of Bailey and he can be a bit funny in the score-up.

"If he is being like that then I think I have to go off the gate hard and have a real shot for the lead.

"But if Bailey is keeping up and looks like leading then I might have to revert to a plan B."

While Mr Feelgood is better known as a follower of speed, Butt said being in front would not bother him as the heat could be run at a slow tempo.

"Often in this sort of race a good horse leads and another good one sits parked and they control the race to suit themselves. So while he hasn't really been a leader throughout his career that is where I would like to be."

Butt said that while Mr Feelgood was not the force he was when he won the final last season, he had improved consistently over the summer and his brother Tim, who trains the stallion, was happy with his progress this week.

"I think he is going well enough to go close this week and I think we will make the final. After that, well there will only be 10 horses in it so a lot will come down to the draw."

Natural ability aside, Butt is one of the most successful Kiwi horsemen on the international stage because he does his research, studying the racing patterns of rival horses and drivers alike.

And he is adamant fellow Canterbury pacer Monkey King is the pacer to beat in this series. "At this stage, he looks head and shoulders above them.

"He has been the best horse all season and he will be suited by the big track at Menangle for the final.

"Still, he has a good run there and only just won the Miracle Mile in November so it shows how hard is it to win at this level."

Smoken Up should make the most of barrier two to win the first heat, while Bondy gets the same chance in the second, although trainer Geoff Small is expecting an improved performance from Changeover.

And Monkey King should justify his $1.20 fixed-odds quote in the third heat.

The barrier draw for the 10-horse final will be made in Sydney on Monday night.