Alley Way was one of the late-season trotting stars in the South Island, rounding out his season with two wins in April before placings behind Doctor Bones and Kincaslough at Addington in May.
Kincaslough has already dipped her feet in open class this season, which driver Matthew Williamson sees as a good guide for Alley Way as he heads towards New Zealand Cup week - and possibly the group 1 Dominion Trot.
''They're both on the way [to open class] and he beat them in one of those wins he had up there,'' Williamson said.
''He's definitely up to it and he's got better each year. If he comes back any better again, he'll definitely handle that grade.''
However, if Alley Way is vulnerable, it could be tomorrow.
He will face The Fiery Ginga and Jaccka Justy, who are both race fit after testing runs in Canterbury in recent weeks, while Jag's Invasion has been a fresh-up winner in the past.
Alley Way won a workout against the trotters at Ascot Park last month before beating the c0 pacers on October 4 and finishing unplaced behind the pacer Brindy on October 12.
''He's a really nice trotter. I'm not sure how forward he is for this first run, but he'll definitely be a chance.
''You'd think he wouldn't be too far away from the mark all the same.''
Just one of Alley Way's 30 starts has been behind the mobile arm, and Williamson will let the horse balance up before deciding what to do from the start of the mile.
''We'll see what he's like out of the gate, but he is a speed sort of horse, so I'll say he'll be finishing strong, whatever run he gets.''
Tomorrow's effort and a run at the Tuapeka Harness Racing Club's meeting at Forbury Park next Sunday will help his Winton trainer, Neville Skinner, decide whether to head to Christchurch for New Zealand Cup week.
''He's still in the Dominion nominations at the moment so it just depends what races he takes on,'' Williamson said.
Springbank Ruby (race 3) appeals as another bright prospect for Williamson tomorrow.
''I thought Springbank Ruby would be hard to beat - it's a good race for her over a mile and it's not a strong field.''
