The Brett Gray-trained square-gaiter lines up from barrier 1 in the fifth race today after an eye-catching run behind Sarah Palin on the first day of Waikouaiti's two-day meeting on Sunday.
His powerful finish in the straight to run third was impressive, but his standing-start beginning was more of a case of slow, but steady.
Considering that, and the trotter's barrier draw, Gray and driver Brent Barclay are at odds as to whether President Roydon can step away cleanly today.
``Brent Barclay, he's driving him and he is not worried. I am worried more than the driver,'' Gray said.
``[Barclay] reckons once he finds the back of a horse he will be right.''
One thing the pair are more inclined to agree on is the potential the horse has shown in his short racing career so far.
``He is a nice horse - he has got ability. I like him, but I haven't quite got him 100%.''
Gray has the weather on his mind when it comes to the chances of his two other runners, The High Roller in race 9 and Machjagger in race 10.
Should rain affect the track, Gray is confident it will aid Machjagger's chances.
``That will play right into her hands. The wetter it is will be the better for her.''
The horse made a big late run into fourth on Sunday, in only her second start after more than a year off the scene with a pastern injury.
Gray expects a fitter and even ``sharper'' Machjagger to line up today.
He is confident that despite botching the start in her first run this campaign, Machjagger can step well today. She was usually a reliable beginner and her first-up mistake was a one-off, he said.
``She was just too well and she just missed away. I thought it was a good run because she hadn't raced for a long time.''
If Waikouaiti is greeted by blue skies and sunshine, it will lift the mood of both the on-course crowd and Gray's prospects with The High Roller.
The trainer has his concerns about the horse on a wetter surface given he is a ``high-speed horse''.
``It might just take a bit of speed off him.''
The pacer ran a creditable sixth after doing plenty of work in the last lap of his previous start behind gun 3yr-old Whittaker at Wyndham on February 5.
``I am really happy with the way he is going. If the track is not too bad he will be sweet. I think he is a really good chance.''
One horse that handled rain on Sunday was the feature trot winner, Sundons Flyer. The Bruce Negus-trained mare faces a similar field today, apart from a reshuffling of Phil Williamson's runners.
First-day fourth placegetter Springbank Eden returns, but Monty Python, runner-up to Sundons Flyer, does not. Williamson has added more firepower to his attack with Brads Kenny and Father Christmas.
- Jonny Turner
