Ray’s tactic for Auckland on Friday night - No early burn this time on Arden’s Horizon

Don’t expect Arden’s Horizon to burn for the lead at Auckland on Friday night, a key change of tactics which trainer Ray Green hopes will see the horse in the money.

Arden’s Horizon lines up in the third race and, while he is only a two-year-old racing older horses, the race is pretty much devoid of form and his is better than it looks on paper.

Last week, Arden’s Horizon used up a lot of petrol to hold the lead, then was attacked by Governor’s Bay, leaving him running on empty early in the home straight.

And while he was gobbled up 150 metres from home he still fought bravely, finishing only 2.6 lengths from the winner Rocknroll Rouelette, who came with a big late run.

That’s what Green wants to see from his Bettor’s Delight colt this week.

“I pick we’ll be going back this week from gate six and save him for the finish, rather than the other way round. He had a harder trip than I would have liked last time and ended up being target practice for the others.

“What he’s crying out for is a more economical trip. He doesn’t need to burn to the lead or sit parked. He’s better to sit back and be presented late.

“He’s honest and they’re not the best lot that he meets.”

Zac Butcher, pictured driving Pasquale, takes the reins on Friday night. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.The form of Lincoln Farms’ pair Pasquale and Louie LeBeau might not look the best in the second race but it’s a big drop in class for them after racing in last week’s Sires’ Stakes heat.

“There’s not between them ability-wise but Louie LeBeau is a bit more tractible,” says Green.

“Pasquale is a real rubber necker, he’s difficult to steer, wandering here and there.”

The two-year-old wasn’t helped last week when his overcheck was dislodged 1300 metres from home, causing him to lay in and hit several pegs on the home bend.

“He had a long overcheck, that’s why it came off, and he probably needs two poles.”

In finishing seventh behind Major Perry, Montana DJ, Mr Ibiza and Pauly D, Pasquale still managed to run his last mile in 1:57.

“Zac (Butcher) is driving him this week and he comes in to three so hopefully he can get a nice run.”

Louie LeBeau finished a length in front of Pasquale last week after being pushed four then five wide on the home bend when making his run.

Green worries Louie won’t get the best trip again from six on Friday.

“It’s an awkward draw. He’s never actually had a decent trip. Once he gets a draw and a trip he’ll be in the money. He’s a nice horse, not the strongest yet but he tries hard.”