As bad barrier draws go this is as good as it gets for Akuta in Tuesday’s NZ$750,000 IRT New Zealand Cup at Addington.

The hot favourite will start from wide on the second in the 3200m, which hardly sounds ideal but co-trainer Nathan Purdon isn’t worried for two reasons.

Purdon was at Addington preparing for the Cup trials when he heard the news Akuta will, if the emergencies come out, start from 4 on the second line on Tuesday.

His next question produced the answer he wanted when he heard Australian challenger Swayzee had also drawn the second line, likely to start from barrier 2 there.

While the vagaries of standing starts could see any number of scenarios unfold, Akuta drawing the second line but having Swayzee back there for company is far better then having to give the NSW pacer a start.

“Yes, we wouldn’t have wanted him (Swayzee) drawing to go straight to the lead and us chasing,” says Purdon.

“Them both being back there puts it on level footing and as we know Akuta isn’t a fast beginner so it isn’t like we thought he could step straight to the lead if we drew the front line any way.

“So I think it really makes the race and our horse is exactly where he needs to be.”

The favoured pair will be joined on the second line by B D Joe (1 second line) whereas of the higher-assessed runners Republican Party (3), Krug (4) and Old Town Road (9) have drawn the front line.

The Team Dalgety pair will likely start from barriers 2 and 3 as one of the emergencies in Got You Covered has drawn barrier 2 and if he comes out then Smiffy’s Terror will move to the outside of the front line, giving the field a 10-5 split with no unruly runners.

Old Town Road looks well suited by his wide draw as he can be a fast beginner but he was pulled out of Wednesday’s Cup trial after being treated for a skin infection so he will have his final public hitout between races at Rangiora on Friday.

The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.