KEY POINTS:
For the first time in a year, Flashing Red is not longer the most feared open-class pacer in New Zealand.
That is the opinion of champion trainer Mark Purdon as he prepares Classic Cullen for the $30,000 main pace at Addington tonight.
Classic Cullen looks ready to return
to winning form after two excellent efforts so far this term in races Purdon thought he couldn't win.
But his fitness levels aren't the only thing that has changed. So has his main rival.
Since he started a rampage through the feature races last spring, Flashing Red has been the dominant open-class pacer in this country. But Purdon says he now fears Baileys Dream more.
"Flashing Red is a great horse but he is now 10 and you'd be disappointed if some of those young horses coming through couldn't step up," said Purdon.
"On what I've seen so far this season, Baileys Dream is the one to beat this week."
Purdon is thrilled with Classic Cullen's progress since splitting Baileys Dream and Flashing Red at Oamaru 11 days ago and thinks tonight's race is an ideal next step.
"He worked very well on Tuesday and will be fitter than at Oamaru so this is his chance."
The race should be won by one of the big three, with Baileys Dream facing the most difficult task as he has to start from the unruly mark.
While he rates Classic Cullen a big winning hope, stablemate Ohoka Arizona is the horse who Purdon is looking forward to putting the sulky on the most tonight.
The freshman Sires' Stakes and Harness Jewels winner returns to racing in the first southern heat of this season's Sires' Stakes and is ready for a comeback win.
"He has had two trials and both were serious hitouts so he will be ready," warns Purdon.
"Being a colt I would expect him to improve but he looks great and I think he is stronger than last season."
Ohoka Arizona faces a second line draw but will still be a warm favourite.
"He may have drawn the second line but he follows out a good beginner so I think he should be all right.
"He is my best winning chance of the night."
That last comment may surprise punters who will be anchoring the Purdon-trained Auckland Reactor in the $250,000 Pick6.
Auckland Reactor has a massive reputation and won on debut recently but faces a big step up in class tonight. Victory could see him contest a Sires' Stakes heat later this month.
"He is a good young horse but his reputation has got that big you would think he has been there and done that like Ohoka Arizona," said Purdon.
"I think he should be too good for a one-win field this week but he still has a bit to prove."
Other highlights tonight include the return of Harness Jewels trot winner Stig, who trialled well on Tuesday, and Mountbatten looking to remain unbeaten this season in race two.