Racing: Purdon will not burn hard early on Smolda

Smolda, driven by Mark Purdon. Photo / Christine Cornege

If Smolda is going to win the A$750,000 Inter Dominion Final on Sunday he is going to have to do it the hard way.

The New Zealand pacer goes into the great race one of the favourites after a stunning comeback win at Addington two starts ago was followed by recording the fastest official last 400m ever on the same track in his Inter heat last start.

Add that to his impressive Menangle record and the form of champion trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen and Smolda has plenty going for him.

But Purdon has poured cold water on any suggestion he will use his front-line draw to get in front of key rivals Beautide, For A Reason and Terror To Love on Sunday.

He will start from barrier eight, with two genuine flyers inside him in Keayang Cullen (4) and Mach Beauty (6) who, if they get into a war early, might be keen to duck for cover behind the first good horse who gets to them.

However, Purdon sees that as being too tough on Smolda, especially in his third start back after a 10-month layoff.

"I am pretty sure I won't be going out too hard early," said Purdon.

"It might sound like a good idea but I think 3000m mobile would be a very long way if you come off the gate hard, or even burn early.

"So I am resigned to the fact I might be back in the field with most of the other favourites but that isn't a bad thing."

Purdon says Smolda's enormous stamina and the likelihood of the other favourites making runs together with a lap to go mean he can still win coming from the second half of the field.

But that brings luck into play and whoever gets into the right spot of that quartet or even Restrepo and Caribbean Blaster can win.

Smolda headlines a five strong Purdon-Rasmussen team for Sunday's group ones, with Willow (NSW Oaks) and Adore Me (Ladyship Mile) rated their best chance.

"All the team are spot on and will get their chances, although none of these will be easy races to win."

Meanwhile, rival Kiwi trainer Mark Jones is adamant Master Lavros can break the Australasian mile trot record in Sunday's Glenferrie Farm Challenge if forced to under the right conditions.

The Dominion Hcp winner trotted a tick over 1:54 when second in a pacing heat at the Menangle trials on Tuesday, inside Sundon Gift's 1:54.3 Australasian record.

He handled the track and the ace barrier, which he faces on Sunday, well in the trial and Jones is confident he can go sub 1:54 on Sunday.

"It is a good field but if we lead and go 1:54 or quicker it is going to take a good horse to beat him."