Racing: Workout points to an almost unthinkable fairytale win

A blistering final workout has convinced Anthony Butt the seemingly impossible dream can come true at Moonee Valley tonight.

Butt has spent most of this week in Victoria putting the final touches on champion trotter Lyell Creek as he prepares for his return to Moonee Valley in tonight's A$100,000 Australian Trotting Grand Prix.

Lyell Creek may be unbeaten in nine starts at Moonee Valley but he has not raced there since early 2001, having spent most of the next three years in the Northern Hemisphere.

Butt admits during most of that time he never thought Lyell Creek would race in New Zealand again, let alone be so dominant he could venture back to Australia for a group one race.

"You know, it is remarkable he is even good enough to start in a race like this after all he has been through," said Butt. "But to think he is favourite even after drawing the second line is hard to believe."

So have the public and bookies misplaced their faith - and their dollars?

"I don't think so, not the way he worked yesterday," said Butt last night.

He drove Lyell Creek in a workout at John Caldow's stables and the pair blazed over 2400m in 3:10, a time few good-class pacers would be asked to work so close to a big race.

"He worked 3:8 a few days before winning the Dominion Handicap so I think he will be in similar form at the moment.

"He won his workout at Alexandra Park last week but he didn't have to do much in that so he needed a good blowout."

While Lyell Creek is unbeaten at Moonee Valley that statistic is deceptive as he has rarely trotted smoothly on the circuit which is tighter than he is used to.

As an 11-year-old he may finally be better equipped to handle it.

"He is trotting more smoothly than ever and I don't think the track will be a problem."

Butt's only real concern going into the race is the tempo, which could be slower than he wants.

"If Gold N Gold starts then they should go hard and that would suit us because I'd love to drive him back in the field.

"But if he doesn't there might not be as many moves and then I might be forced into making one.

"I think he can win either way but I'd love to drive him off the pace if I could."

Butt's reference to Gold N Gold comes as his trainer-driver Michael Marais is under a suspension cloud and the rugged trotter may not be allowed to start.

He would aid Lyell Creek by making the race a genuine staying contest, and no horse stays better than Lyell.

The obvious dangers are the two high-class mares Sumthingaboutmaori and Allegro Agitato as well as the big mover in Australian trotting this season, Sammy Do Good.

The latter has improved by 10 lengths since joining Peter Manning but faces a tricky second line draw in the biggest test of his career.

Sumthingaboutmaori and Allegro Agitato are similar mares in that they have great ability but it does not take much to tip them over the top.

Sumthingaboutmaori beat Take A Moment in this race last season and is drawn to be the biggest danger to that horse's millionaire stablemate Lyell Creek tonight but Allegro Agitato is the best value in the race with champion driver Tony Herlihy back in the sulky.