KEY POINTS:
Todd Mitchell will be making sure he doesn't get too far ahead of himself at Alexandra Park tonight.
Like most people in harness racing, Mitchell is already looking to this country's richest ever race, the $1.2 million New Zealand Cup at Addington on Tuesday.
Mitchell will go into
the great race with a great each-way chance in Baileys Dream, who will attempt to give his driver a remarkable fifth Cup win in the last nine years.
And as usual, he is relaxed about the biggest day in harness racing.
"I think he has got a great show and I am happy with his draw," said Mitchell after Baileys Dream drew the second line.
"He follows out a couple of good beginners and while the start is crucial, as long as he begins safely we have a long way to go to get him into the right place.
"All plans go out the window once the tapes go."
Mitchell will link up with Baileys Dream's trainer Steven Reid for two big winning chances at Alexandra Park tonight while he will also produce a hot favourite from his own stable in Muscles Kiwi in race five.
The latter has looked an open class horse in the making in his last two starts, with his victory last Friday particularly impressive.
"He actually lost a shoe last week, so to still keep going and win like he did was a big run," said Mitchell.
"He is getting better all the time and just wants to trot, which is so important for trotters - to have that good attitude."
Tonight's field doesn't look much stronger than the one Muscles Kiwi downed last Friday and he should make it three wins on end.
Mitchell will partner Maddison Paige (race two) and Acescape (race seven) for Reid tonight and both look great chances.
Anescape does meet a hot field of lower grade pacers in his race but has the advantage of a better draw than high-class rival Pembrook Benny, who will start from the inside of the second line.
"It is a good field but he is a tough horse who has been racing well so I think he can win," said Mitchell.
Pembrook Benny will be hard to hold out though, as he was ultra- impressive winning his comeback race a month ago.
Maddison Paige looks more talented than most of her rivals in race two and rates a good each-way chance.
The feature of tonight's meeting is the $15,000 Pacific Sheet And Coil Trot where La Femme D'Argent could be ready to claims her biggest scalps.
The exciting mare has pleased trainer-driver James Stormont in her work this week and has the advantage of a 30m headstart over Lleyton H and Genius.
CHASING FIVE
* Driver Todd Mitchell is seeking his fifth New Zealand Trotting Cup on Tuesday.
* He says he is not concerned by his charge, Baileys Dream, drawing the second line.
* Mitchell also trains Muscles Kiwi, who could complete a treble of wins at Alexandra Park tonight.
* He also drives other winning hopes Anescape and Maddison Paige.