The Canterbury pairing of trainer Nigel McGrath and driver Blair Orange look set to dominate today's Northern Southland harness meeting at Ascot Park today.
The in-form combination line up three top winning chances in Gore Bay, Aloka and Goodlookin Chick.
The highly talented Aloka has his first run in more than a month when he takes on a field of country cups horses in race 8.
While Aloka has not been at his best this season, the camp behind him think he is over the issues that have been holding him back.
''He is a pretty good horse; he has just had a lot of issues. Hopefully he is over those, because on ability he is a pretty good 3yr-old,'' Orange said.
Orange had the option of driving leading chances Goodlookin Chick or Somejoy in race 9 today.
Goodlookin Chick got the nod because of Orange's allegiance to the McGrath stable rather than one horse being better than the other, he said.
''Somejoy is a pretty good mare so I wouldn't read anything into the choice.''
Goodlookin Chick comes into today's race in a similar position to her stablemate, Aloka.
The 4yr-old was down on form earlier this season but looks to have rebounded.
''She is definitely back to her best. She got a bit crook there, but she is back where she needs to be.''
Smart 3yr-old Gore Bay starts on the outside of the front line when he takes on a line-up of older horses in race 7 today.
That alley was not likely to extinguish the horse's winning chances, Orange said.
''Nigel is not too worried about the draw, so that is good enough for me.''
The remainder of Orange's drives are headed by in-and-out type A Smart Excuse in race 5.
The reinsman also combines with Landora's Lassie in race 1, Ripsnorter in race 2, Giftofjoy in race 3, Smoke N Reactor in race 6 and Fun Sponge in race 10.
