KEY POINTS:
Auckland trainer Geoff Small has vowed to make a statement with Winforu in tonight's final round of Interdominion pacing heats at Globe Derby.
Winforu has been one of the surprise packages of this series, blazing to a track record heat win last Friday before storming into third in an unsuitable heat here on Wednesday.
Tonight he starts from barrier one in the 2230m heat against series big names Be Good Johnny and Robin Hood.
With his gate speed Winforu is certain to lead, which he did in a similar heat in last year's series before driver David Butcher elected to take a trail.
That was an indication that Winforu was just making up the numbers on his way to the final last season, whereas this season he is far stronger and is looming as a Grand Final winning chance.
Small says tonight's heat is the perfect chance to earn some respect for next Saturday's A$500,000 final, so he won't be asking Butcher to take a sit on either of his hot pot rivals.
"We have to take advantage of the draw and make them work," said Small.
"The way he is racing I think he can lead and run a very fast 2230m, and if they are good enough to cover ground and beat us then that is that.
"But if we hand up with him we will get no respect for the final. If we lead and win then we have a chance of drawing well in the final and having plenty of options.
"Either way, it is in our best interests to stay in front this time."
Small says Winforu has never been better and is handling the rigours of this series better than he has in the past two seasons, when he also made the final.
"I have no concerns with anything about him at the moment."
If Winforu can control tonight's race, the inside running could prove the crucial factor, especially as many pacers in this series have got unbalanced at high speed on the tight final bend.
Both Be Good Johnny and Robin Hood may be better horses than the Kiwi, but with all three almost guaranteed their spots in the final, their drivers may not be overly aggressive tonight.
That heat looks the most intriguing tonight but New Zealand's best winning chance may come in the following one when Tribute will look to complete the heats unbeaten.
He meets weak opposition and has barrier three so should start favourite, with only Toe Taper racing like a danger to him in this series.
The final heat provides Blacks A Fake with a perfect opportunity to put his series back on track.
He comes into barrier two after the forced scratching of Flashing Red and Foreal's removal to the outside of the front line after her second night gallop.
Blacks A Fake looks certain to work to the lead and dominate the race, with his only early danger, Reba Rajah, needing points to make the final and so likely to settle for the trail and the saloon passage into the final.
Even with the disadvantage of her wider draw, Foreal is racing well enough to sit parked for the last lap and still finish top three and guarantee herself a spot in the final.
After that, so much will come down to Tuesday night's barrier draw, with the Grand Final possibly to be decided at that function as much as on the track.
Pacing heat seven, 8.55PM
Heat of the night, with four horses who are almost certain to be in the final.
But if Winforu (1) holds the lead from the ace then he becomes the horse to beat. In great form and rolls nice, even sectionals which make him very hard to peg back on this tight track.
Be Good Johnny (3) was outstanding breaking the track record here on Wednesday and if he can work past Winforu early and lead, he would be clear top pick. Either way might start favourite.
Robin Hood (2) is strong so will be in the finish even though the track doesn't suit him while Karloo Mick (4) is an obvious trifecta hope.
Top three: Winforu, Be Good Johnny, Robin Hood.
Pacing Heat Eight, 9.22PM
Great chance for Tribute (3) to finish the heats unbeaten as he has drawn to control the race. He will sit close to the pace and outfinish most here.
Top Taper (4) was excellent running second on Wednesday and will be even better with a sit tonight.
Smooth Crusa (2) gets a chance to lead and might stay there and is a trifecta must. Franco Heir (1) and Sir Galvinator (6) have trifecta hopes.
Top three: Tribute, Toe Taper, Smooth Crusa.
Third Trotting Heat, 9.52PM
The defining heat of this series with the two favourites Glenbogle (9) and A Touch Of Flair (11) clashing.
A Touch Of Flair is the best horse here but the 20m handicap is a huge disadvantage on this small track. He will start favourite but is vulnerable.
Glenbogle is in career best form and if he can get around the field in the middle stages he may upset the favourite.
They dominate the race with trifecta chances to Jauriol (4), Tamra Dawn (8) and Tough Tussle (2).
Top three: A Touch Of Flair, Glenbogle, Jauriol.
Ninth Pacing Heat, 10.25PM
Defending series favourite Blacks A Fake (4) looks close to a good thing in this.
He comes into barrier two, looks certain to lead and win.
Reba Rajah (2) should trail and sneak his way into the final while Foreal (3) is the horse under pressure.
She will start from the outside of the front line after being placed on the unruly but in a weak field is probably good enough to sit parked and run a place, which might be enough to get her in the final.
Flaming Roadstar (7) has a small trifecta hope but the big three dominate.
Top three: Blacks A Fake, Reba Rajah, Foreal.
Fourth Trotting Heat, 11.22PM
Great heat for Whatsundermykilt (9), with small field negating his 10m handicap.
He was outstanding running second in his heat last Friday and can work in the middle stages so has to be a short-priced favourite.
The biggest danger is Flying Hardwick (6). He was a strong third last Friday and likes to run handy to the pace. In this weak heat he could lead and would take a lot of catching.
Viva La Fever (5) almost caught Glenbogle last Friday but galloped up the passing lane. Is in career best form and logical chance. Clares Brother (10) and Motu Miss Anna (4) have place hopes.
Top three: Whatsundermykilt, Flying Harwick, Viva La Fever.
