Racing: Speedy start crucial for Roman Gladiator

The first 50m of tonight's Treuer Memorial will show whether Roman Gladiator is ready to be a Grand Circuit horse.

The exceptional Southland pacer looks the brightest newcomer to pacing's open class and the clear threat to the domination of horses like Just An Excuse, Elsu and Sokyola.

He received little chance to show that when he settled last in last Friday's sit-sprint Miracle Mile so tonight's A$105,000 ($113,000) event in Bankstown is his best chance to live up to his hype.

The only problem is, unless Roman Gladiator can show genuine gate speed for the first time in his career, his chances may be extinguished before the first bend.

The Bankstown track is flat, with short straights, so plays into the hands of those who lead or sit handy to the pace. Even being three deep on the markers is almost a mission impossible there.

Which is why the first 50m of the race is so crucial to Roman Gladiator's chances.

He has drawn barrier one and if he can hold the lead, which seems doubtful, or even trail, he becomes the horse to beat.

That won't be easy with horses like Sand Pebbles (barrier five) and Mister D G (four) certain to head forward in the rush to the first bend.

If Roman Gladiator could trail either of those horses, his blistering sprint would be enough to get him home, but if he gets crossed by more than one horse at the start he will be three deep and almost certain not to be a clear shot at the leaders.

The only time Roman Gladiator has been asked to leave the gate at any real speed was at Addington three starts ago when he was able to lead in far weaker company. But tonight's field contains some seriously quick beginners.

His driver Colin De Filippi is aware of the significance of the start and has been in this position before - when he trained and drove Kym's Girl to beat Holmes D G in this race in 2001.

"We are in the same situation we were that year because this is a hard track to give them a start on," said De Filippi.

"He showed me enough gate speed at Addington a few starts ago to say he might be able to hold his position but it is always more difficult in Australia, where almost all the good horses can leave the gate fast. I was happy with his run in the Miracle Mile, considering the way the race was run and if he can stay handy he can win."

The ideal situation for Roman Gladiator would be following Mister D G, who would definitely stay in front and not wilt under pressure.

But the latter's trainer, Tim Butt, is not as confident as he would have been a month ago.

"He has had some hard racing in his last five starts and I thought he was only okay in the Miracle Mile," said Butt.

"He will be a bit fresh this week because I think he may have been a bit flat last week, so you might see some improvement. On that track the start is crucial."

Of the Australians, Sand Pebbles, who is a brilliant beginner but whose stamina is questionable, and Cobbity Classic look the biggest threats to the Kiwis.