KEY POINTS:
Just because Sue Martin has taken the gamble of her life on Gotta Go Cullen doesn't mean she thinks punters should follow suit at Alexandra Park tonight.
The freakish freshman of last season's pacing crop has his first outing on his home track for the season tonight, taking
on older pacers for the first time in his career.
Gotta Go Cullen will contest the class two to three races to hone his fitness for the $175,000 Sires' Stakes Final at Addington in 11 days, a race that has taken on increased importance for owner-trainer Martin.
She has just completed an expensive purchase of the half share she didn't already own in the colt and while the exact figures are not for public disclosure it is safe to assume Gotta Go Cullen is now valued at around $1 million.
Martin says she is pleased to have control of the 3-year-old's racing future but says tonight's race is about teaching Gotta Go Cullen something new.
So she is considering approaching the stewards to inform them of a possible change of driving tactics.
Gotta Go Cullen carved out his huge reputation last season with crushing displays of stamina but Martin says tonight's second line draw provides driver Nicole Thorn with the perfect opportunity to try something different.
"It may not work out this way but I'd like to see him driven in the field," said Martin. "I am considering approaching the stewards to inform them of that because it is only fair the betting public know too.
"I still think he can win but we have to teach him how to race other places than in front because he has a lot of big races this season and you can't try and lead in all of them."
Even with a change of driving tactics Gotta Go Cullen will be a red-hot favourite in the strong field.
He was beaten last start by the much-improved Changeover and had his excuses after being attacked in front.
Driven off the pace - particularly at Alexandra Park where he is unbeaten in six starts - he could be even more potent.
"I can't fault him. His work has been great so we are very happy going into the race," says Martin.
His reappearance will be the highlight of the eight-race programme and another Addington-bound star in Pompallier will also need to come from back in the field to win.
Last season's Dominion Handicap winner is edging his way back to peak form so is the horse to beat even from his 30m backmark in the night's main trot.
Another short-priced favourite tonight will be Christian Warrior, who returns in a maiden event.
He was good enough to finish second in the $200,000 Sales Series Pace last season and was impressive winning at the workouts last week.
He should continue the run of last season's smart juveniles returning with victories in Alexandra Park maiden races in the last six weeks.
While Gotta Go Cullen and Pompallier are at Alexandra Park preparing for the New Zealand Cup meeting, things will be far more desperate for several of the key runners in tonight's main pace at Addington.
The trio of Bobs Blue Boy, Harnetts Creek and White Arrow go into the feature race needing a win, or at best second, to have a shot at the final spot in the $500,000 New Zealand Cup.
Bobs Blue Boy is on the cusp of getting a cup start but would need to produce his best performance of the season so far tonight.
His path to the winner's circle, and a cup start, is likely to be blocked by Flashing Red, who will be driven by Anthony Butt.
The veteran pacer was powerful downing Mainland Banner in the Flying Stakes at Ashburon last week and Butt has chosen to drive him over stablemate The Flyin Doctor, suggesting Butt will partner the former in the New Zealand Cup.