Changeover's army of supporters have at least something to smile about tomorrow - he will be paying more than usual.
The country's best 3-year-old pacer faces a tricky test after drawing the inside of the second line in the $200,000 PGG Wrightsons Sales Series Pace at Alexandra Park.
The giant stayer would have been an unbackable favourite had he drawn the front line, with his gate speed and reputation almost certain to have gifted him the front and the race.
But with traffic a concern over the 1700m he could now start as long as $2.30 in the richest 3-year-old race of the year.
While not thrilled with the draw trainer Geoff Small says Changeover is ready to overcome it.
"He is going to need luck but he is very well," said Small.
"David [Butcher, driver] will need to find a gap early but I think he will be able to do that as the pace will be on.
"But I could not be happier with him."
Changeover finished only fourth behind Fergiemack last start but that was in a far stronger field as the three who beat him home then are not eligible for tomorrow's race.
"He missed a workout before that race and David said he felt like he needed the run so I am sure he will be fitter this time."
Aiding Changeover is the fact his best-performed rivals, like Christian Warrior, have also drawn the second line so there will be mid-race moves.
If he can push away from the markers into the running line, which looks likely, he is good enough to work forward and sit parked and still win.
One trainer going into the race with far more confidence than he expected to have is Steven Reid, who trains Bromac Maravu.
"I think like most of the trainers in this one we knew we would struggle to beat Changeover if he got a draw," said Reid.
"But now we have drawn well [three] and he hasn't I think we have a hope."
Bromac Maravu has shown gate speed this season and looks a top each way chance as he should be handy without doing any work.
