But he has the speed and strength to emerge triumphant in this mobile event after an unusual preparation for the $175,000 XXXX Gold Golden Nugget championship on November 28.

His past three runs have been in 2503m standing-start events at Gloucester Park, while nine of his ten rivals in a high-quality field have all started in a mobile at their most recent outing.

One important factor in Im Themightyquinn's favour is that he has been racing strongly in these 2503m events and this should ensure that he runs a spirited 2536m on Friday night.

Reinsman Gary Hall jun. said that Im Themightyquinn revealed good speed at the start in mobile events in New Zealand, but he gave a clue to his possible tactics this week when he said that the gelding probably would need to be driven with a sit before unleashing a powerful finishing sprint in the Nugget.

"His speed is his biggest asset," he said in reference to his ability to finish a race with a dazzling burst.

Im Themightyquinn should be at his peak for this week's race after racing four times in WA in the space of five weeks for two wins, a second and a third. His 27 New Zealand starts produced six wins and eight placings.

A $200,000 purchase, Im Themightyquinn has drawn barrier six on Friday night in what should be a fantastic race.

The Vice Captain, one of seven New Zealand-bred four-year-olds in the event, is in tremendous form, and from barrier five, looms as one of the major chances. Grant Williams gave an early indication of his thoughts when he decided on Tuesday to drive the Andrew de Campo-trained The Vice Captain in preference to the smart Winter Retreat, who is trained by his wife Alana.

Winter Retreat, who has had 16 starts for seven wins and seven placings, will be handled by Kim Young.

With Chris Lewis under suspension, trainers Ross Olivieri (Argent Treasure), Mike Beech (Birthday), Alan Bell (Can Return Fire) and Ken White (Conrod Black) had to look elsewhere for drivers for their horses.

Mark Reed will drive Argent Treasure, the WA Derby winner earlier this year, from the prized No. 1 barrier; Justin Warwick will handle the lightly-raced Birthday, who is unbeaten at two WA starts; Colin Brown will drive Can Return Fire (who has won brilliantly at each of his five starts this season) and White has engaged Shayne Cramp for stylish last-start winner Conrod Black.

Argent Treasure has managed one placing (a last-start third behind The Midnight Rocket) at three starts after a spell. He is a speedy beginner and a capable frontrunner and Reed is likely to attempt to dictate the terms of the race.

New Zealander Sir Artsplace, a most impressive winner at his Australian debut, at Gloucester Park on Tuesday of last week, fared badly in the draw and will need plenty of luck from barrier eight.

Though plans were in place to run two Nugget preludes this week, surprisingly only 11 four-year-olds were nominated for the preludes.

Ken Casellas