KEY POINTS:
The time for diplomacy is over.
All season, in fact for most of the last two years, Steven Reid has been telling people there is not much between his stable stars Monkey King and Baileys Dream.
He even talks himself into it from time to time, letting his
heart (Baileys Dream) rule his mind (Monkey King).
But with $1.2 million on the line at Addington today, harness racing's most effervescent trainer is getting serious.
He will still do the usual media spiel about there not being too much between the pair but dig beneath the veneer and Reid is adamant - this is Monkey King's race.
The Pukekohe trainer has been thinking that for a few weeks and it was confirmed in his eyes after last Wednesday's Cup trial.
After a slow beginning, Monkey King looped the field and held out the two other best pacers in the country, Auckland Reactor and Changeover.
Sure, none of the trio were asked for great things in the home straight but Monkey King had them covered.
It proved what everybody in harness racing knows, Monkey King is the fastest pacer in the country.
Of course that speed wasn't enough to win a slogfest against Flashing Red in this Cup last year, or hold out Gotta Go Cullen in the Auckland Cup.
But Reid says that was then, this is now.
"This horse is in the zone," said Reid yesterday.
"He has never been better and the way he is performing, even acting around the stables, he knows what is going on now. I really think this is his race. I couldn't be happier with him and even his manners are better.
"I think he wins it."
That rare level of confidence should not be mistaken for arrogance, just a simple nod to how much better Monkey King is this season than last.
Reid thinks the same about his second-stringer, Baileys Dream, who outpointed Monkey King winning the Ashburton Flying Stakes last start.
Reid flew to Christchurch to fastwork Baileys Dream on Saturday morning and was thrilled with his performance.
"He is ready to go the race of his life. But I am still sure Monkey is my best chance."
Reid says he fears Changeover the most today because of his manners and imposing big race record while he also has great respect for close friend Tony Herlihy and Gotta Go Cullen.
"The start will be crucial but Monkey is stepping the best he has for a long time and having no 10m tape means he should have some more room at the start."