KEY POINTS:
Galleon's Sunset will win a major trotting race - Derek Balle is just not sure whether it will be at Cambridge tonight.
The speedster continues his steep learning curve in the $27,500 trotter's sprint in which he clashes with southern star stablemates Allegro Agitato and One Over Kenny.
Galleon's Sunset was having one of his first outings in open class when he almost stole an almost identical race on this track on December 24.
On that occasion he blasted to the lead before being run down late in the straight by Allegro Agitato and Braig, both race rivals tonight.
Balle says while he was happy to finish so close to Allegro Agitato last time they clashed, he believes the 5-year-old will improve at least a second tonight.
"He actually didn't trot that well last time out because he had raced at Alexandra Park two days earlier and he was a bit muscle sore for the Cambridge race," said Balle.
"So to finish third under those circumstances I thought his run was very good.
"He won't have that soreness problem this week and will be fitter for that last race so he has to be a better chance."
But after having spent the last four years campaigning Rowe Cup and Dominion Handicap winner Martina H in open class Balle is aware how big a task Galleon's Sunset faces tonight.
"I know how hard it is to win these big trots early in your campaign because these top horses just don't stop.
"So while I am sure we can lead he might be just a shade vulnerable to horses like Allegro Agitato and One Over Kenny because they have had a lot more recent racing.
"I think the three of them look the trifecta but I wouldn't be surprised if one of those mares can beat us.
"Still, I am sure in time we will win a good trot with this horse at some stage because he has so much high speed."
If Galleon's Sunset does lead tonight's sprint that will greatly aid stablemate Lleyton H's chances of getting a decent cheque as he starts from the ace.
"He should get a good run but this season is very much about getting him doing things right and learning all about open class racing," says Balle.
"If he can keep improving he is going to make a nice open class trotter next season."
