Spring Cup runner-up Mach Shard can give the hopes of a North Island win in the New Zealand Cup a big boost with victory in tonight's Holmes DG Handicap at Alexandra Park.
The Barry Purdon-trained pacer will attempt to turn the tables on rival Triple Eight in the 2700m feature following their one-two finish in the Spring Cup two weeks ago.
Mach Shard produced a big effort to just go down to his Steve Telfer-trained counterpart after sitting parked throughout.
The effort suggested Mach Shard had returned bigger and stronger following his slightly early exit last season, when he bypassed the Harness Jewels.
Purdon confirmed Mach Shard had thrived during his time out and he had developed enough to be a force in the open-class ranks.
"He has returned better.
"It just took him a while to adjust to the class he was in. He had only won three or four races before he had to meet the open-class horses. But he is good now and he is up with the good ones, I think."
Mach Shard should strip a fitter horse tonight.
"He has only had one trial, so we thought he might need the run a wee bit. ..
"Sitting outside the leader is not his go, so he stuck on well and just got caught on the line."
Triple Eight was excellent in winning the Spring Cup fresh up.
His task to beat Mach Shard is harder tonight as he starts 10m behind his rival.
Mach Shard will start from the 20m mark, with Triple Eight behind him on 30m.
Mach Shard could make the most of that head start if he continues his recent trend of brilliant beginnings.
"He was a bit slow a few times around Christmas last year, but he picked it up very quickly," Purdon said.
"He can begin good if he gets on the right foot, for sure."
Mach Shard was the $3.10 favourite ahead of Triple Eight, who was at $3.80, following the scratching of likely favourite Star Galleria.
Star Galleria's New Zealand Cup hopes hang in the balance after the pacer was found with swelling in a leg on Wednesday.
Trainer Steven Reid he would not know if was a serious injury until after vets were able to scan the leg once swelling subsided.
There are hopes it will not end Star Galleria's campaign. However Reid is wary he is running out of time to get his pacer ready for the New Zealand Cup.
The Devils Own and Bettorstartdreaming head the remainder of the Holmes DG market.
The pair finished third and fourth respectively in Triple Eight's Spring Cup.
Both will need to step up their games to win tonight.
Purdon will step out a team full of winning chances tonight including former smart 3yr-old Wainui Creek.
The pacer will have her first start as a 4yr-old when she clashes with her stablemate Henry Hu and other smart horses in a rating 60-68 race over 2200.
