Racing: Red carpet laid out

There is a simple reason the grandstands at Moonee Valley will be full tomorrow night.

It is not the local hero Sokyola hoping for the biggest win of his career in the Victoria Cup.

It won't be because dual New Zealand Cup winner Just An Excuse is there seeking redemption for the worst performance of his career in last season's Hunter Cup.

The stands will be full tomorrow night because people love the thought of being a part of history.

And even if he doesn't win the A$100,000 Australasian Trotting Grand Prix, Lyell Creek will make the Victorians feel they have been part of something special.

The greatest trotter ever to come from Australasia returns to Moonee Valley tomorrow, 43 months after he was last there.

While he has gone he was never forgotten. While Kiwi racing fans love Lyell Creek, in Melbourne he is adored possibly even more.

Moonee Valley is where he recorded his biggest ever win, the $500,000 Interdominion Final in 2000 and where he recorded two of his most amazing performances.

They came in the Bill Collins Mile after he was three wide for the entire race and the 2001 Australasian Trotting Championships in which he overcame a 50m handicap.

Lyell Creek has been to The Valley nine times and never tasted defeat.

So it is understandable the 11-year-old has been welcomed like a king returning to the scene of his greatest battlefield.

"The response we have had from people has been amazing," said Harness Racing Victoria spokesman Shaun Kelly.

"This was always going to be a big night but when Lyell Creek was confirmed the phones ran hot.

"People over here love him and they can't believe they are going to get a chance to see him again because the last time he raced here was in another era of horses.

"Already we have over 2500 corporate guests coming and it is now one of the hottest tickets in town."

The return of the king comes at a perfect time, with the cricket test a desert away in Perth and none of Victoria's beloved AFL to keep sports fans salivating.

With the glamour of the spring galloping carnivals a fading memory Harness Racing Victoria have the perfect moment in which to welcome Lyell Creek back.

With the local media short on hot sports stories Lyell Creek has been everywhere - on television, the radio and in the newspapers.

"The coverage we have had has been great and we really couldn't have asked for more.

"We all know how good Sokyola and Just An Excuse are but Lyell Creek has the most pulling power so we are rapt to have him here."

But not everybody will welcome Lyell with open arms. There will be plenty of Australians out to ruin his return, with Lyell Creek facing a second line draw as well as favoured locals Sumthingaboutmaori and Sammy Do Good.

"We will need some luck from the second line but we are happy with where he is," said trainer Tim Butt.

Lyell Creek is the $2.30 favourite for tomorrow night's race, with fellow Kiwi mare Allegro Agitato at $11.