Racing: Tricky task for Christen Me

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Cran Dalgety is warning punters not to expect an easy kill for Christen Me during tonight's Inter Dominion golden hour.

The Kiwi champ contests the fourth of five heats to be staged in just over an hour beginning at 10.30 (NZ time) tonight, taking on fellow New Zealand star Terror To Love at Menangle.

Christen Me has been clearly the superior of the pair in most of their Australian meetings, particularly at Menangle where he has won the Miracle Mile and Chariots of Fire.

However, after a slightly below-par effort in the Hunter Cup last week, Christen Me has the added disadvantage of a wide draw tonight and Dalgety says they aren't his only concerns.

"I'd actually prefer this race to be a week later," he admits.

"He has had two big races and then a road trip from Melbourne to here so he might not be 100 per cent sharp.

"I still think he can win and probably should, but he will settle further back than usual tonight and could be dictated to by the tempo.

"Still, the other big guns in there have also had the hard race last week and travel so we are maybe all on a level playing field."

Terror To Love was dreadful in the Hunter Cup last week and has a new driver tonight in local Blake Fitzpatrick, so expect him to be driven forward, which could give him a tactical advantage over Christen Me in a race where former Aucklander Easy On The Eye could lead and take some catching.

The other heat sees the last mentioned's stablemate Suave Stuey Lombo taking on Beautide, the defending Interdom champ looking to put his defence back on track.

Suave Stuey Lombo is a brilliant beginner and trainer Shane Tritton has declared if he leads he will be staying in front, which means Beautide could face a trickier task than his draw suggests.

Beautide's trainer-driver James Rattray says the return to Menangle will suit his superstar and the 2400m mobile gives him plenty of time to outstay Suave Stuey Lombo.

"But I still think we might hold him at the start, so my horse is the one to beat," says Rattray.

The first heat at Melton should go to Lennytheshark after the scratching of Guaranteed, who is now out of the series.

The Albion Park heat looks a gimme for Avonnova from barrier one, while the final heat in Perth is headed by David Hercules against a moderate bunch.