Racing: Stay away from old favourites on the comeback

If you love great horses you may be tempted to have a sentimental bet on Holmes D G when he makes his comeback at Cambridge tonight.

Don't.

Because while harness racing fans will be glad to see their old mate back at the races in tonight's $10,000 free-for-all, backing him would be a waste of money.

The 10-year-old is one half of a senior citizens' reunion, joining old foe Facta Non Verba in the sprint.

Both have copped horror draws and neither can overcome the fresher legs of the youngsters drawn inside them.

So even if they have made you a fortune over the years, don't give any of it back tonight because they simply can't win.

Both are using tonight's race as their comeback after retirement last season and are on trial for the Interdominions, which start at Alexandra Park in three weeks.

They have been fitted for the occasion at the workouts, with Holmes D G shining at the Alexandra Park workouts two weeks ago before disappointing last Saturday.

But the raw fact is Holmes D G probably wouldn't have won this race fresh-up at his peak, let alone tonight.

While he was better than any of his rivals here in his heyday, Holmes D G has had a poor first-up record for the last six seasons, almost invariably winning second up.

Put that record into a 10-year-old body, slap them on the outside of the second line in a mobile mile at Cambridge and Holmes D G has no hope.

Even trainer Barry Purdon admits it.

"I don't really expect him to win this week," said Purdon, who has four starters in the race.

"From this draw at his age he is up against it but I'll be happy if he is running on well.

"This race and one at Alexandra Park next week are all about seeing where he is for the Interdominions."

Purdon was happy with Holmes D G's comeback until his below-par effort at the workouts last Saturday.

"I had him checked out and there is nothing wrong with him.

"He is loving being back in work and I know he will enjoy racing again but he is not as good as he was.

"I'd say he is close to a second slower over his last 400m these days than when he was at his best but we will see whether he sharpens up in the next few weeks."

Brent Mangos will partner Holmes D G tonight with Purdon to drive his leading chance, Blue Chip Rock.

He has impressed since coming north in November and won at the workouts last Saturday.

"He will be better for this run but might get a good run through so he has a chance," said Purdon.

But it is all about getting them ready for the Interdominions.

Purdon says Franklin Cup winner Attorney General will need his outing tonight while Eagles Together is not well suited by his wide draw.

Drawing wide in a mile race at Cambridge makes things very hard so they will both need luck.

Purdon's other recent open class regular Miracle Man is not in the race as he has been exported to the United States.

With so many of the open class horses having drawn poorly the race looks set to be dominated by Winforu, Blue Chip Rock and V For.

But punters looking for value should spare a thought for Ohoka Atom.

He may not be an accomplished sprinter but if he can hold the back of possible early leader Linford Christie he could get the passing lane run which is so potent at Cambridge.

Tonight's other feature sees Interdom candidates Martina H, Gold and Romper Stomper clash in the main trot, with Romper Stomper on his last chance to qualify for the Interdominions.

With the aid of a 30m start over his two main rivals and the extra motivation he may be good enough to win.