Punters keen to back Whatsundermykilt (pictured) in tomorrow night's $50,000 Bill Collins Mile at Moonee Valley would be advised not to go and see him in the stables beforehand.
It'll be a sure bet that the in-form Kiwi trotter is shaking like a leaf and lightening his load on a quite regular basis. You see, the big fella gets nervous.
The positive news for punters though is that once he steps onto the track it's game on, just as New Zealand's best have found out regularly this season.
"It's just the adrenalin pumping through his veins," trainer Kevin Fairbairn said. "He knows it's time to race and once he gets out there he's ready to rock."
Whatsundermykilt, who arrived with his brother and fellow Bill Collins aspirant Glenbogle last weekend, has been the benchmark in the Shaky Isles this season with wins in the Ashburton Flying Mile and last start in the Group 1 Dominion Handicap.
"He's twice the horse that he was when he was in Australia last season," Fairbairn said. "Last time he was here he was coming off a wind operation and a foot problem. This time he's come here in great order."
New Zealand trotters have dominated the Bill Collins Mile winning eight of the 11 editions held to date and Fairbairn has his sights set on adding another tomorrow night.
Glenbogle, a noted quick beginner who was runner-up to Clares Brother in last year's race, has drawn perfectly in barrier two, whilst Whatsundermykilt has drawn to trail him through from barrier nine.
"Honestly, I find it pretty hard to split the pair...it's real toss of the coin job," Fairbairn said. "Glenbogle had no luck last start in the Dominion and is drawn well for a quick beginner, whilst Whatsundermykilt can sprint as quick as any horse so he'll be suited if the speed's on."
The horse they have to beat though is the Aussie champion A Touch Of Flair who is a commanding $2.10 favourite with TAB Sportsbet despite facing the extreme front line draw of barrier seven.
Glenbogle, who'll be driven by Chris Alford, is a $4.40 chance, with Whatsundermykilt at $6.50 and defending champion Clares Brother (barrier three) at $8 for the Group 1 sprint which is timed to go at 9pm (AEST) tomorrow.
