A second row draw may often sound the death knell for a trotter's hopes over a sprint trip, especially for a staying type at group 1 level.
Oamaru driver Matthew Williamson is not giving up hope just yet though with Alley Way in the New Zealand Trotting Free for all tomorrow.
There is a good reason for that too - Alley Way starts from barrier 2 on the second row, immediately behind favourite Monbet.
Williamson just needs a favour from the punters' second elect, One Over Da Moon, in barrier 1.
''It could work out,'' Williamson said.
''If One Over Da Moon kicks up and holds out Monbet, we could end up in the one one [one out one back] or three fence. There are a couple of options there, so he should end up with a run to give himself a chance.''
Williamson felt Alley Way was short of his peak when finishing fifth at Kaikoura last week, and feedback from co trainer Colin De Filippi backed himup.
''Colin said Stent had got away on him before Ashbrton and I think this fellow had obviously been the same.
''He wasn't initially going to go on Tuesday. He was just going to go to the Dominion. They obviously think he needs the run, so that's why he's going there.''
Kaikoura aside, Williamson has been happy with Alley Way's lead up runs, the best a second behind Quite A Moment on October 16.
''Colin said he trotted 3.16 and you can't ask for much more than that.''
Williamson does not have a New Zealand Cup drive after Belkmyster was withdrawn last week, so his grand final will be the Dominion with Alley Way on Friday. The 7yr old showed a love of the longer trips with his third in the Rowe Cup in April.
''That's the main aim for him. The stand races really suit him so, touch wood, he will be thereabouts.''
