By MICHAEL GUERIN
There will be no excuses for Lyell Creek this time and the Canadian bookies know it.
The four-month Northern Hemisphere campaign for New Zealand's champion trotter has been a series of hard luck stories fuelled by bad draws, travelling problems, poor mid-race trips and even a bleeding attack.
But for
the first time Lyell Creek has conditions to suit in Sunday's (NZ time) Maple Leaf Trot at Woodbine Raceway in Canada and has been installed a close third favourite for the feature.
He has drawn perfectly at barrier one in the mobile mile worth nearly $NZ1million.
Add to that leading US trotter Magician missing after breaking in his heat, world champion Varenne being back in Europe and Lyell Creek's treatment with Lasix to help reduce the chances of a repeat bleeding incident and the Kiwi won't get many better chances.
"This looks the best chance we have had so far for a big win," said trainer-driver Anthony Butt.
"He has come through last week's race very well and I thought it was as good as he has gone since leaving New Zealand.
"Finally we have got a draw which means we won't have to work harder than our key rivals, which is what we have had to do in every major race so far."
Lyell Creek has shown as much gate speed as any of his US rivals in recent months yet Butt is unsure whether he will be able to, or even choose to, try and hold the lead from the ace draw.
"But we are going to be handy regardless so we can use his stamina instead of playing catch up or having to go too hard early."
Lyell Creek finished second after being parked in his heat last Sunday, which was won by Plesac in 1:53.8, the faster of the two heats.
Plesac is second favourite for the race in Canada at $3.50, just behind the other heat winner Fools Gold at $3. Lyell Creek is a clear third favourite at $4.
Butt was happy with how Lyell Creek had reacted to being treated with Lasix, a drug commonly administered in North America to help bleeders, which are far more common there than in New Zealand.
Lyell Creek showed signs of bleeding after failing in the Nat Ray at the Meadowlands earlier this month but Butt said it was not a major concern.
"It is not a big deal up here like it is in New Zealand and a whole lot of horses race on Lasix. It doesn't bother him."
The Maple Leaf Final will be screened live on Trackside at 1.42 pm on Sunday.
