KEY POINTS:
Few pacers would appear less likely to be a quick beginner from a standing start than Awesome Armbro.
The one-time bad boy of northern pacing spent much of his first two seasons learning how to overcome speed wobbles, most famously when he wiped out half the field in last season's Great Northern Derby.
So it is more than mildly surprising when trainer Geoff Small says he not only expects Awesome Armbro to handle his first standing start at Cambridge tonight, but to one day be an outstanding off the line.
Small initially planned to miss tonight's $50,000 Jardines Bloodstock Insurance Futurity, and take Awesome Armbro to Marlborough on Sunday.
But two private standing start practice sessions this week have not only changed his plans but have him positively bubbling about Awesome Armbro's prospects.
"I gave him a good practice session at home on Monday and that was what changed my mind," admitted Small.
"He handled them really well and then on Wednesday he was even better.
"He was so good on Wednesday that I am sure one day he is going to be a real flier from the stand.
"That may not be this week because it is a lot different under race-night conditions but I am confident he will handle the start all right."
That being the case, Awesome Armbro should continue his outstanding summer form in tonight's group two event over 2700m.
He has returned this season looking stronger, more relaxed and better balanced than last season and is emerging as a potential open class star.
He confirmed his huge reputation by easily holding speed machine Monkey King at bay in the Cambridge Classic last Friday. As that rival will be missing tonight only a poor beginning looks likely to halt his winning run.
Awesome Armbro's first standing start attempt could be aided by his 20m backmark, as many inexperienced pacers prefer the extra room a handicap allows.
With only a small field and the front line containing few winning chances, if the favourite can latch on to the back of the field early he will have too much speed for most here.
The 10m markers appear the most likely dangers, headed by Power Of Tara and Marvin Royce.
Both have very extensive standing start experience in the South Island and were not too far off the pace when third and fourth respectively last Friday.
Power Of Tara is developing into a very good purchase for trainer Barry Purdon, who will also take the reins tonight and he is a must for trifectas.
Marvin Royce has a good standing start record and it would surprise to see him press forward early and try to put several lengths between himself and the favourite.
While Awesome Armbro has a lack of experience and a 20m handicap to overcome tonight, his stablemate Changeover has few fears in race four.
The exceptional 3-year-old once again demonstrated he is at his best when racing left-handed by bolting away with the Waikato Guineas last Friday.
He meets a tougher field over a shorter distance tonight but such is his reputation it is hard to see him not rolling to the front and winning again.
"He should be even better than last week because I think he needed that run," said Small.
Tonight's meeting will have a $100,000 guaranteed Pick6, with Jaka (R9) looking almost an anchor and St Barts and Smoken Up set to dominate the fifth leg.
