The complexion and tempo of the cup has the potential to drastically change after Australian ironhorse San Carlo drew barrier 1 when the field for New Zealand's greatest harness race was confirmed yesterday.
Barrier 1 is an often-tricky starting spot that has the potential to be even harder to step from this year, according to a leading trainer.
Canterbury horseman Paul Court has labelled current starting procedures for feature standing-start races in the South Island ''horrendous'' and a major disadvantage to horses drawn on the inner.
San Carlo already faced a challenge before yesterday's draw as there are no standing-start races in his home state to prepare him for the beginning of the 3200m feature. In fact, the Victorian raider has never had a standing start in his 51 race starts.
But the pacer stepped very slowly, though safely, in his only standing start under trial conditions.
If San Carlo is unable to step away for driver Rebecca Bartley in the race on Tuesday, or steps slowly, it will have a huge impact on the race.
The pacer is rated as arguably the best staying horse, who races on the speed and pours pressure on his rivals.
San Carlo will start beside outside hope Hail Christian, who drew barrier 2, usually a sought-after position in standing-start races.
Court is predicting it could be a horror position for his horse, judging by the starts of recent open-class races.
Hail Christian has broken in his past two starts. He was not square with the starting tapes before they were released in the Methven Cup.
He then galloped away in the Kaikoura Cup after horses drawing on the inner were clearly disadvantaged, Court said.
''The Kaikoura Cup start was horrendous. The outside horses had a run-up and the inside horses were left standing still.
''The way they are starting these races at the moment, I would rather have drawn wide, because they get a run on.''
Court has called for a change of both standing-start procedures and personnel in Canterbury to avoid more unfair starts.
Spankem's faultless spring preparation continued on two fronts yesterday.
The New Zealand Cup favourite drew a nearly perfect starting position in barrier 6.
Then, just minutes after that was announced, the 5yr-old sped to victory in the New Zealand Cup trial.
Spankem began safely before settling off the speed for driver Mark Purdon who eased him out before the turn. He produced a big finish to beat Thefixer, last year's New Zealand Cup winner, whose effort was good after making a midrace move.
Thefixer came off the back of the leader, A G's Whitesocks, who did well to run third after botching the start badly.
North Island raider Mach Shard produced an eye-catching finish to run fourth.
The field for the New Zealand Trotting Cup on Tuesday.-
$750,000, 3200m, 5.12pm: San Carlo (1), Hail Christian (2), Henry Hurbert (3), Our Uncle Sam (4), Nandolo (5), Spankem (6), Thefixer (7), Classie Brigade (8), Cruz Bromac (9), Smokin By (10), A G's White Socks (11), Mach Shard (12), Chase Auckland (ur).
