Race tempo could decide Southland pacer Franco Santino's fate when he returns to racing at Ascot Park today.
The Nathan Williamson-trained entire will be the only fresh horse in a field of battle-hardened pacers in race 8, the feature handicap pace over 2700m.
Though Franco Santino is ready to run a big race, Williamson is wary of the fitness levels his rivals in the 2700m standing-start race have.
Because of that, race tempo could be the key to his horse's chances.
"It just depends what sort of race it is.
"If they go hard, some of those battle-hardened horses might be too sharp for him. If it is a slower, tactical race it should suit him, because he does have good speed."
Though Franco Santino lacks recent racing, that is not a huge negative.
Williamson said the horse had gone big races in that state in the past.
"I am rapt with him. His work has been good.
"He will improve with the run, but he does race well fresh."
Many of the race 8 starters have met in similar races recently.
Vintage Cheddar, Bettor Enforce, Sagwitch and Santanna's Rocket all clashed in the Wyndham Cup.
Vintage Cheddar starts from the 15m mark today,
while the Syd Breen-trained pair of Santanna's Rocket and Sagwitch will start alongside Franco Santino on the 25m mark.
Bettor's Enforce gets a head start on that trio and will start off the front line.
