Victorian-trained Blitzern will try rewriting the record books in Saturday nights Group 2 Lees Orchard Tassie Golden Apple in Launceston.
No interstate-trained pacer has won the race since its inception in 2018, with Ideal World’s second placing in 2019 being the only time an interstate-trained pacer has finished in the top three.
Blitzern recorded a 24.3m heat win on 13 November, where he stepped slowly but safely in the 2200m event before trainer-driver Allen McDonough pressed forward to take up the lead at the 1400m.
Despite the early work, he still dashed home in a 55.7s for the last half-mile.
“With three weeks between the heat and final, we brought him home so he could be back on his own track and keep up his normal work routine.
“He’s done a fair bit of work since he’s been home, and he’s screwed right down for this week,” said McDonough.
Blitzern arrived in the state by boat on Thursday.
“Bill (Dornauf) said he settled in well and was straight into his feed when he arrived.
As per the race conditions, Blitzern will start from a 10m handicap.
“I’m pretty sure if I time the start a bit better than the heat, he’ll get away a lot quicker.
“But he doesn’t have to go to the front. So my main aim will be just to stay forward of the back markers, which I should be able to do,” said the trainer-driver.
The 30m back markers include 2019 winner Ryley Major, last week’s $81 heat winner Call Me Hector and Sunny Sanz, who broke the state record for a mile earlier this year.
The two heats were run similarly, with 1.7s between the overall times.
It could be a good night for McDonough, who will take the reins on the favourites in the two $20 000 support features for visiting Victorian trainer Emma Stewart.
Debutante Stakes winner Rock Artist will line up in barrier five in the Golden Slipper, while former kiwi mare So Art I is the favourite for the Tassie Wash Golden Girls.
The mare is raced by several owners, including Aaron Bain Racing and Summit Bloodstock, who race many horses successfully in the state.