KEY POINTS:
David Butcher is adamant he hadn't decided on his tactics for tonight's match race at Cambridge.
The Australasian Breeders Crown heat will see New Zealand's two best young pacers - Changeover and Gotta Go Cullen - go head to head over 2200m mobile.
That has prompted TAB bookmakers to accept betting on the outcome, with Gotta Go Cullen likely to be paying around $2.70 and Changeover $1.40 by the 9.48pm start time.
While match racing was common early last century and still popular when held rarely in the 1960s and 1970s, many punters watching tonight would never have had the opportunity to bet on a two-horse race.
Because the winner goes straight through to the semifinal of the Australasian Breeders Crown and the loser must contest a repechage in Australia, the motivation for the two camps will be as real as any major race.
And even though the tactics will be crucial in what could develop into a cat-and-mouse battle, Changeover's driver Butcher says he has no set plan.
"I know drawn barrier one people might think I'd be a certain leader but it doesn't have to pan out that way," said Butcher.
"He [Gotta Go Cullen] might have a little more natural gate speed than us but starting right alongside each other it will be very hard for him to cross me.
"And if he does he is going to have to do plenty of work, which might suit us too.
"A lot will depend on how hard we go early but either way I think I can win."
Butcher was impressed with Changeover's performance winning at an Alexandra Park workout last Tuesday and says he should be significantly fitter tonight.
"He felt like he needed it last week and every time he feels like that he is a different horse a week later so I am sure he will be spot on."
While Changeover has the advantage of drawing barrier one, he hasn't raced since winning the Harness Jewels on June 2, whereas Gotta Go Cullen returned with a crushing win at Alexandra Park two weeks ago.
He may have the edge in fitness but he could need it as the pair have met seven times this season and Gotta Go Cullen has only beaten Changeover once, by a tiny margin in a race Changeover wasn't at his peak for in December.
Gotta Go Cullen still holds the advantage in their overall head to head record, courtesy of his six wins over Changeover last season.
