KEY POINTS:
Ray Green holds high hopes for Christian Spirit - just not at Alexandra Park tonight.
Co-trainer Green is hoping his stable star can fight his way into the rich Chariots of Fire in Sydney next month, where he would clash with Aussie hero Divisive.
But he says the 4-year-old's return to racing at Alexandra Park is just a stepping stone toward Sydney.
Christian Spirit has been one of the most improved pacers in the country in the second half of the season, with a string of autumn wins earning him a place in the Harness Jewels, where he was a strong fourth to Monkey King and Divisive.
He has not raced since June 2 though and that, coupled with his 40m backmark in tonight's main race, is enough to deter Green from suggesting punters should back the racey-looking pacer.
"I know he is good enough to win a race like this but it is very much just a starting point for us," said Green.
"He has been working well in the last few weeks but he did have a break and won't be up to full fitness.
"It would be hard enough to overcome that sort of handicap at his best, let alone when he is just starting out again."
Green and training partner Robert Mitchell have been contacted by Sydney officials to let them know they are in the frame for an invitation to the Chariot, which in itself would represent a massive turnaround.
Four months ago Christian Spirit wouldn't have been rated in the top 10 4-year-old pacers in the country and the Chariots Of Fire contenders included Pay Me Christian, Monkey King, Awesome Armbro and Tuherbs, all established open class stars.
But retirement, injuries and long seasons have seen those big names drop out of contention and now Christian Spirit is the only Kiwi chasing a start in the A$200,000 ($221,000) race.
"They have told us he is not a certainty to get a run but that Divisive is the only horse who is. So we have a decent shot if he races well this campaign."
Even with his rapid improvement Christian Spirit is hard to recommend tonight as his absolute best performances have been when he leads, which looks highly improbable tonight.
The field also contains some talented, race-hardened opposition, none more so than Eastburn Gee, who has won four of her last five starts.
She was brave winning her northern debut at Cambridge last Thursday and will have the services of Tony Herlihy tonight, which could push her close to favouritism. Metekhi also comes in well off the front line and could be a good each way bet.
While Christian Spirit faces a huge task tonight, Green is confident his stable can have a good night with their seven representatives.
Tuapeka Tiz is a smart 3-year-old returning to racing and looks a great chance, while the stable is also happy with the workout form of Badabing Badaboom.
"She has very high speed so is always a hope when she gets the right run."
One of their best pacers won't be making the trip to Alexandra Park tonight though, with class juvenile Cody Banks set to miss the Australasian Breeders Crown heat.
He is still getting over a lung infection, a disappointment for his connections as they were keen to head to Australia for the series.
They will instead have stablemate Justa Tiger in tonight's non-tote heat and if he was to qualify he could represent them in the semi finals on August 14.
