KEY POINTS:
It is wake-up time for Gotta Go Cullen.
That is how trainer Sue Martin explains a recent change in the training of the outstanding 3-year-old pacer, who returns to racing at Alexandra Park tonight.
Martin wouldn't be the first owner-trainer to ever spoil a top horse, sometimes letting
him be the boss.
But she says those days are over as Gotta Go Cullen enters the next phase of his career.
Tonight's return to the track is a lead-up to clashes with Changeover and Lombo Pocket Watch in the next six weeks as well as his entrance into open class when he will be aimed at the New Zealand Cup in November.
In preparation Martin has started to work Gotta Go Cullen harder, which is good news for those who back him tonight.
"He was getting bigger all the time and I have had to start working him harder to keep the weight off," said Martin.
"He got over 520kg a few weeks ago but he is back to 516kg now.
"Because he has been working harder I think he will be ready for this race."
Gotta Go Cullen has not raced since his gutsy third to Changeover in the Harness Jewels on June 2 - but has a good record fresh.
He meets only moderate opposition tonight and the biggest concern may be his total inexperience from a standing start.
Because he is beach trained in such a small stable Gotta Go Cullen has never actually stood behind a starting tape.
So trying that from a 30m handicap tonight with horses in front, alongside and behind him may come as a shock.
"I could be worried about it but there is no point because that won't help," says Martin.
"We have given him some standing start practice at home without a tape and he wobbles away and he settles pretty quickly.
"He is such a clean-gaited horse I don't think it will bother him but it is hard to know exactly."
While that won't comfort those who take the short odds for Gotta Go Cullen tonight they should remember the record of this season's best 3-year-olds in grade racing.
Changeover already looks open class material while Gotta Go Cullen and close rival Montecito have both smashed talented, older intermediate-grade rivals this season.
So with anything like a safe beginning tonight's 30m handicap should hold few fears, especially as there is only one rival off the front mark.
Martin also expects a prominent performance from L E Operative, who could start favourite in race six.
The gelding has won and been placed second in two starts and shows courage belying his small frame.
"There isn't much of him but he tries hard and is very light on his feet so I think he will win a few more," she said.