Early fireworks are expected in the feature event at Gore today.
A highly competitive field of sprinters will do battle over 1200m in race 3 at just the second gallops meeting in Southland since March.
Tapanui trainers Barry and Nikki Blatch are hoping their new recruit, Easy Habit, can quickly get back to form after things went pear-shaped for him at Wingatui a fortnight ago.
The winner in his first start for his new stable could not make it two from two after his saddle slipped in the home straight.
"We have got a norton [bit] on him this time and hopefully he settles a bit better and doesn’t pull so hard,” Ms Blatch said.
“That was what happened at Wingatui — Terry [jockey Terry Moseley] couldn’t hold him. He is a big, strong horse and he has got a low head carriage.”
Easy Habit may not get the chance to over race if the speed of the race on paper plays out on the track
“It is going to be really interesting, the rating 90 1200m. Because I think I have counted at least four front runners.”
When he jumps from barrier 11, Easy Habit will have noted front-runners Black Label (5), Friar Tuck (7) on his inner and last start leader and winner Petite Rose (12) on his outer.
Easy Habit has quickly jumped into what is effectively an open class race in what will be just his eighth start today.
