By MICHAEL GUERIN
Tony Herlihy says only driver error can get Maheer Lord beaten in tonight's Thames Cup at Alexandra Park.
He doesn't actually mean it, but he can't resist saying it.
That is because Herlihy won't be behind the talented four-year-old in the $25,000 race. He will be driving in the New
Zealand Oaks at Addington so has engaged old friend Maurice McKendry to drive Maheer Lord.
"When you are not driving them you can say things like that and it should keep Maurice up to the mark," jokes Herlihy.
While Herlihy doesn't seriously rate Maheer Lord a good thing in tonight's event he does believe he has all the gifts to win the group two race, even though he was slightly disappointed by his last-start sixth in the Messenger Championship.
"I was hanging and mucking around that night and he didn't finish off the race as good as he can," said Herlihy.
"But he probably didn't suit being stuck back on the markers that night."
A better indication of Maheer Lord's chances tonight is his second to Blue Chip Rock in the Easter Cup, run under similar circumstances, at Addington last month.
"He likes the 3200m and is good from a stand these days so I think this race suits him and he will be hard to beat."
The biggest dangers to Maheer Lord should be Harnett's Creek and Eagles Together, both of whom have been placed behind Sly Flyin in open class races in the last fortnight.
Eagles Together has returned to something like his best lately and can win tonight, providing he doesn't have to work at any stage because 3200m is probably past his best distance.
Harnett's Creek, however, is ideally suited by the distance, having scored a stunning win in the Southland Cup over this trip in February.
The Canterbury pacer is also suited by the standing start and is clearly the horse to beat if he can find the lead.
Punters should be careful, though, as he may not be as potent coming from off the pace as he sometimes corners awkwardly when racing at Alexandra Park.
