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** Official Cricketweb Horseracing thread **
- Thread starter Blewy
- Start date
Blewy
Cricketer Of The Year
Well Chris Munce has been found Guilty of Bets for Tips and now faces 2 1/2 years in a Hong Kong Prison...
People are saying its a harsh penalty however like any crime in Asia the penalties are always very severe to make an example.. Munce was always going to have a hard time defending the charges.. It will be interesting to see what takes place now, obviously he will be appealing the sentence but most are saying his career is over.. Even if he is to return to Australia after doing his time its likely that most would not want a bar of him after having a guilty verdict like that hanging over his head...
In other news, one of my runners had a great win on Saturday at Kembla, 1st up after a spell he was last on the turn and flew home to pick up the win in the last stride.. Got some nice odds as well..
People are saying its a harsh penalty however like any crime in Asia the penalties are always very severe to make an example.. Munce was always going to have a hard time defending the charges.. It will be interesting to see what takes place now, obviously he will be appealing the sentence but most are saying his career is over.. Even if he is to return to Australia after doing his time its likely that most would not want a bar of him after having a guilty verdict like that hanging over his head...
In other news, one of my runners had a great win on Saturday at Kembla, 1st up after a spell he was last on the turn and flew home to pick up the win in the last stride.. Got some nice odds as well..
_Ed_
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Look out for Redoute's Dancer in the AJC Derby. Before the colt came over here for the New Zealand Derby, Tim Martin said he wasn't good enough to beat the best Australian three year-olds, but I have my suspicions about that. I'm guessing the large group of guys, none of whom appear in the racebook as owners of the horse, standing in the birdcage chanting "Dancer! Dancer!" got some of the 40-1 on offer after Martin's comments...
It was a fantastic win though, and stable foreman Maurice Campbell is supremely confident about the horse's chances in not only the Derby at Randwick but also the Caulfield Cup later in the year.
I'm not going to comment on the post-race debacle. I'll just say that the Lisa Cropp fan club has lost one of its members, and that I'm probably not the only one.
It was a fantastic win though, and stable foreman Maurice Campbell is supremely confident about the horse's chances in not only the Derby at Randwick but also the Caulfield Cup later in the year.
I'm not going to comment on the post-race debacle. I'll just say that the Lisa Cropp fan club has lost one of its members, and that I'm probably not the only one.
Smudge
Hall of Fame Member
Super win by Flashing Red in the Auckland Trotting Cup tonight. Smashed the national 2700m mobile record by two seconds - that kind of improvement is unheard of. My mate has a share in Awesome Armbro, which ran a gallant fourth after getting back on the markers.
Pretty special achievement by 9-year-old Flashing Red, Anthony Butt, his brother Tim and co-trainer Phil Anderson. He might be an entire but I'm not sure if he'd have much of a stallion career.
Pretty special achievement by 9-year-old Flashing Red, Anthony Butt, his brother Tim and co-trainer Phil Anderson. He might be an entire but I'm not sure if he'd have much of a stallion career.
_Ed_
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Looked like a great night of harness racing at the Park tonight, went some way to making up for what's been a really disappointing Cup week for me. I was looking forward to it for ages but it was ruined by rubbish weather, frightening accidents (Alexandra Park last week), ridiculous controversy and particularly the tragic death of Envoy in the Cup.
Blewy
Cricketer Of The Year
Super Days racing yesterday...
Both Guineas Races were sensational, The Randwick Guineas saw Mentality dropping back to his own age holding off Teranaba and Snipers Bullet to win. Whilst in the Cadbury Guineas at Caufield Miss Finland held off a fast finishing Casino Prince to hold on to win, with Jokers Wild finishing 3rd.
In the Newmarket Handicap, Miss Andretti showed her class as one of the best Sprinters in the World to nudge out Gold Edition and a fast finishing Undue... Whilst the Australian Cup saw Pompei Ruler Run a sensational race to beat Marasco and Tawqeet..
A Super days racing and i topped it off with picking up the Trifecta in both the Randwick Guineas and the Australian Cup..
Makes for an interesting Season though.. Miss Andretti, Miss Finland, Tawqeet and Pompei Ruler are all certain travellers overseas and with El Segundo, Eremien and a few others possibly going as well their is going to be a huge opportunity for some horses to step up in the next few months and really make their mark on Australian Racing...
Both Guineas Races were sensational, The Randwick Guineas saw Mentality dropping back to his own age holding off Teranaba and Snipers Bullet to win. Whilst in the Cadbury Guineas at Caufield Miss Finland held off a fast finishing Casino Prince to hold on to win, with Jokers Wild finishing 3rd.
In the Newmarket Handicap, Miss Andretti showed her class as one of the best Sprinters in the World to nudge out Gold Edition and a fast finishing Undue... Whilst the Australian Cup saw Pompei Ruler Run a sensational race to beat Marasco and Tawqeet..
A Super days racing and i topped it off with picking up the Trifecta in both the Randwick Guineas and the Australian Cup..
Makes for an interesting Season though.. Miss Andretti, Miss Finland, Tawqeet and Pompei Ruler are all certain travellers overseas and with El Segundo, Eremien and a few others possibly going as well their is going to be a huge opportunity for some horses to step up in the next few months and really make their mark on Australian Racing...
Blewy
Cricketer Of The Year
I was impressed with Casino Prince, he has copped alot of flak since the Slipper last year and he has really started to come good again.. With 100m to go yesterday he was finishing out of the top 3 but he was beaten by Miss Finland by a head.. Super Run...
Felt for Anthony Cummings as well yesterday, had the Runner up in both the Randwick Guineas and the Cadbury Guineas
Felt for Anthony Cummings as well yesterday, had the Runner up in both the Randwick Guineas and the Cadbury Guineas
Smudge
Hall of Fame Member
_Ed_
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It's that time again, the first Saturday in May and the running of my favourite horse race, the Kentucky Derby.
The series of prep races leading up to the race is absolutely brilliant to follow, I wish we had something like that for the NZ Derby.
Some of the leading contenders:
Barclay Tagg trained Funny Cide to win in 2003 and I think he can repeat this year with Nobiz Like Shobiz. He's never been out of a place and has looked a Derby type to me since his win in the Remsen late last year. His Wood Memorial win was everything you'd want to see in a horse's final Derby prep.
Curlin is undefeated in three, including a 10-length thrashing in the Arkansas Derby. But who did he beat exactly? However, you can't do any more than win so he could be anything...who knows.
It would be a nice story if Tiago won it, the younger brother of 2005 winner Giacomo. He's shown a bit more speed than his brother (not saying that's difficult...) with a win in a weak Santa Anita Derby, but he'd probably need another freakish speed duel up front like the one that handed the race to Giacomo on a plate if he's going to really figure in the finish. He'll make ground though.
Street Sense destroyed the field in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile on this track last year, but no BCJ winner has ever won the Derby. He's expected to start the favourite, so maybe he'll be the first horse to do the double.
Todd Pletcher, the leading trainer in the US, has quite a few chances to record a long overdue first win in the race. He has Scat Daddy, Any Given Saturday, Cowtown Cat, Sam P. and Circular Quay. But he's never won the race in something like 14 attempts. That's a shocking record.
I'll go for Nobiz to beat Street Sense and a bit of a longshot in Zanjero.
Anyone else been following the Derby Trail and/or have any thoughts on the race?
The series of prep races leading up to the race is absolutely brilliant to follow, I wish we had something like that for the NZ Derby.
Some of the leading contenders:
Barclay Tagg trained Funny Cide to win in 2003 and I think he can repeat this year with Nobiz Like Shobiz. He's never been out of a place and has looked a Derby type to me since his win in the Remsen late last year. His Wood Memorial win was everything you'd want to see in a horse's final Derby prep.
Curlin is undefeated in three, including a 10-length thrashing in the Arkansas Derby. But who did he beat exactly? However, you can't do any more than win so he could be anything...who knows.
It would be a nice story if Tiago won it, the younger brother of 2005 winner Giacomo. He's shown a bit more speed than his brother (not saying that's difficult...) with a win in a weak Santa Anita Derby, but he'd probably need another freakish speed duel up front like the one that handed the race to Giacomo on a plate if he's going to really figure in the finish. He'll make ground though.
Street Sense destroyed the field in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile on this track last year, but no BCJ winner has ever won the Derby. He's expected to start the favourite, so maybe he'll be the first horse to do the double.
Todd Pletcher, the leading trainer in the US, has quite a few chances to record a long overdue first win in the race. He has Scat Daddy, Any Given Saturday, Cowtown Cat, Sam P. and Circular Quay. But he's never won the race in something like 14 attempts. That's a shocking record.
I'll go for Nobiz to beat Street Sense and a bit of a longshot in Zanjero.
Anyone else been following the Derby Trail and/or have any thoughts on the race?
_Ed_
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STREET SENSE
HARD SPUN
CURLIN
It's taken more than 20 years since the Breeders' Cup Championships began, but finally the Juvenile jinx is over. Very nice win by Street Sense.
Todd Pletcher had a record 5 horses in the race and his best finish was Circular Quay in sixth...ouch.
HARD SPUN
CURLIN
It's taken more than 20 years since the Breeders' Cup Championships began, but finally the Juvenile jinx is over. Very nice win by Street Sense.
Todd Pletcher had a record 5 horses in the race and his best finish was Circular Quay in sixth...ouch.
Last edited:
Smudge
Hall of Fame Member
A quick preview for anyone thinking about punting on the Harness Jewels tomorrow. A mate and I are pretty sure we have Pick Six covered...
http://www.hrnz.co.nz/data/trottech/060239tt.htm
Race 1: She's drawn the outside of the front line, but Bachelorette should be too strong for a pretty average crop of 4-year-old fillies. If All Promises had made it into the field, things could have been a lot more interesting. #6 Holmezy shouldn't be ignored, coming from the smart Hamish Hunter barn. Others to consider for multiples are Cruzee Lass and Zitura.
Race 2: 2YO trotters are always hard to place this early in their racing lives, but Petite Sunrise (immaculately bred by Sundon out of Pride of Petite) has impressed so far in her juvenile career. However, she's drawn the outside of the front line as well over the mile, which opens the race up a bit. Real Deal Yankee and The Great Pretender should be kept safe.
Race 3: If you need a multi anchor, One Dream is your lady. Is paying $1.15 on final field, and is as sure a thing as you could get in top level racing. Expect the talented Running On Faith and Belleti to be running on in behind.
Race 4: The 3YO trot is wide open. King Charlie, by rights, should win but he too has drawn badly, and he's prone to doing things wrong at crucial times. One to watch off the second line is Springbank Richard, trained by Oamaru's very own Phillip Manson Williamson. Sun Lad and Holiday Lover are the other two to watch.
Race 5: Another shortpriced favourite in this race, courtesy of the Sands A Flyin gelding Monkey King. He's drawn very nicely indeed, and his major danger, Aussie visitor Divisive, has got the foreigners' draw and is likely to be three-back on the markers early in the race. Report For Duty and Classic Line for combos.
Race 6: My pick of the 2YO pacing fillies, solely on breeding, would be Exotic Lover, the second progeny of former star Undercover Lover. However, she's on the outside of the second line, and will have to chase down Susie Maguire, while Genes West could represent some value from the pole draw.
Race 7: He only got into the field in the last week of eligibility, but Houdini Star ($1.80) should be able to dominate this field from barrier one over the mile (particularly as I got him at $3.50 in a multi). Smart Seeker and Galleons Assassin have both stepped up to the open-class trotting ranks this season and should present the biggest dangers to the John Hay-trained Houdini Star, but he won't need any magic acts to win this.
Race 8: Mark Purdon has the 2YO pacing colts and geldings at his mercy with Ohoka Arizona and Fiery Falcon the two likely winners from this crop. Mattnamaras Band has gone off the boil on the second line and I'd actually go for Themightyquinn ahead of the former.
Race 9: Changeover would normally win this in a canter (or a gentle pace, to be more precise), but he's drawn inside on the second line, which makes things interesting. Regardless, he should get out but NSW Derby winner Gotta Go Cullen has drawn right outside him and won't make it easy. Montecito, off the front line for Steven Reid, represents value
http://www.hrnz.co.nz/data/trottech/060239tt.htm
Race 1: She's drawn the outside of the front line, but Bachelorette should be too strong for a pretty average crop of 4-year-old fillies. If All Promises had made it into the field, things could have been a lot more interesting. #6 Holmezy shouldn't be ignored, coming from the smart Hamish Hunter barn. Others to consider for multiples are Cruzee Lass and Zitura.
Race 2: 2YO trotters are always hard to place this early in their racing lives, but Petite Sunrise (immaculately bred by Sundon out of Pride of Petite) has impressed so far in her juvenile career. However, she's drawn the outside of the front line as well over the mile, which opens the race up a bit. Real Deal Yankee and The Great Pretender should be kept safe.
Race 3: If you need a multi anchor, One Dream is your lady. Is paying $1.15 on final field, and is as sure a thing as you could get in top level racing. Expect the talented Running On Faith and Belleti to be running on in behind.
Race 4: The 3YO trot is wide open. King Charlie, by rights, should win but he too has drawn badly, and he's prone to doing things wrong at crucial times. One to watch off the second line is Springbank Richard, trained by Oamaru's very own Phillip Manson Williamson. Sun Lad and Holiday Lover are the other two to watch.
Race 5: Another shortpriced favourite in this race, courtesy of the Sands A Flyin gelding Monkey King. He's drawn very nicely indeed, and his major danger, Aussie visitor Divisive, has got the foreigners' draw and is likely to be three-back on the markers early in the race. Report For Duty and Classic Line for combos.
Race 6: My pick of the 2YO pacing fillies, solely on breeding, would be Exotic Lover, the second progeny of former star Undercover Lover. However, she's on the outside of the second line, and will have to chase down Susie Maguire, while Genes West could represent some value from the pole draw.
Race 7: He only got into the field in the last week of eligibility, but Houdini Star ($1.80) should be able to dominate this field from barrier one over the mile (particularly as I got him at $3.50 in a multi). Smart Seeker and Galleons Assassin have both stepped up to the open-class trotting ranks this season and should present the biggest dangers to the John Hay-trained Houdini Star, but he won't need any magic acts to win this.
Race 8: Mark Purdon has the 2YO pacing colts and geldings at his mercy with Ohoka Arizona and Fiery Falcon the two likely winners from this crop. Mattnamaras Band has gone off the boil on the second line and I'd actually go for Themightyquinn ahead of the former.
Race 9: Changeover would normally win this in a canter (or a gentle pace, to be more precise), but he's drawn inside on the second line, which makes things interesting. Regardless, he should get out but NSW Derby winner Gotta Go Cullen has drawn right outside him and won't make it easy. Montecito, off the front line for Steven Reid, represents value
Smudge
Hall of Fame Member
I was never going to pick the winner of the first, GTH Aveross. Took about 25 starts to break maiden ranks, and I have never rated her. Hence her $81 win price. And the trifecta - almost $55,000!
Still, back on track with Petite Sunrise in the second, and my multi's still alive.
Still, back on track with Petite Sunrise in the second, and my multi's still alive.
headhunter
International Vice-Captain
I do like my horse racing!!
but is it all flat racing disgussed on this thread?
but is it all flat racing disgussed on this thread?
Smudge
Hall of Fame Member
Just thought I'd post a quick preview on tomorrow's NZ Trotting Cup.
Unfortunately, the race has been slightly shorn of any international flavour, with EI ruling out any Aussies heading over, aside from Flashing Red, who had arrived prior to the outbreak and is trained by Canterbury trainers Tim Butt and Phil "Prop" Anderson anyway.
Runner-by-runner analysis:
1) Keeprightondreaming (8 b g Fake Left-Delightful Franco) - Shane Walkinshaw
Shares the same sire as Australasian champion Blacks A Fake but it's there where the similarities end. Sneaks into this field probably thanks to his fourth at Kaikoura last month but the 1 draw will either make or break him. Inside draws from the stand can be a challenge for some horses, but if he starts well, he will attempt to lead early and could lop an early trail. However, he's best when he grinds away in the lead. No chance, even of a place.
2) Awesome Armbro (5 b g Armbro Operative-Abbeybell)- Phillip Butcher
Slightly biased towards "Sonny" (his stable name, which comes from Sonny Bill Williams, as they both have a tendency to misbehave) as my mate has a share in him. Is a horse with a huge reputation, without ever having done anything massive, aside from an impressive fourth as a four-year-old in the Auckland Cup last season. Will appreciate the draw, but has had issues with his manners from the stand this season and will either be a genuine chance or completely out of it after 50 metres. Each-way hope and can either lead or take a sit.
3) Sly Flyin (9 br g Sands A Flyin-Sly Soky) - Tony Herlihy
"What if" is the catch-cry of Sly's career. Injuries have thwarted what could have been a great horse, but he comes into this race beautifully, despite a head-scratching failure at Ashburton in the Flying Stakes. Will love the 15 metres he has on Flashing Red, and is a definite winning chance, as he will be handy to the pace throughout. In my top three.
4) Tribute ( 6 bl h In The Pocket-Going Royce) - David Earnshaw
The smokey in this race. While David Earnshaw has the drive, don't be surprised if this is Butt and Anderson's best hope). He finished over the top beautifully to take the Flying Stakes after some early-season issues, and don't be surprised to see Flashing Red sit parked (as usual) and soften up the leaders to allow Tribute or Foreal (another stable runner) to peel out for one run. Will be in my trifecta.
5) Roman Gladiator (7 b g Christian Cullen-Assisi) - Colin De Filippi
Another injury-ravaged horse looking to finally build on age-grade form. We know he can run the distance - a 4.05 win over 3200m (plus an extra 45m handicap) in the Tuapeka Cup was a real eye-opener. Only query for me is if he can win with anything other than a handy sit close to the pace. I'll be leaving him out, but won't be surprised to see him get up.
6) Changeover (4 b h In The Pocket-Chaangerr) - David Butcher
The TAB will be hoping like hell he fails as several big multi bets running through Melbourne Cup winner Efficient terminate on Changeover. His invincibility took a knock at Ashburton when he was softened up by Flashing Red and wilted over the last 200m. Will have learned plenty from that, with it being his first step up to open-class, but I'm not totally convinced he'll see out the 3200m, and he's been used to soft leads in front.
7) Power Of Tara (5 b g Live Or Die-Atomic Gold) - Scott Phelan
Has failed to win several easy lead-up races which he should have, and isn't helped by Scott Phelan being in the bike. Can't have him.
8) Classic Cullen (6 b g Christian Cullen-Karara Lass) - Mark Purdon
Want an omen bet? Here's one. Classic Cullen is part-owned by Graeme Rogerson, the winning trainer of Efficient. Aside from that, he's an excellent hope, with good manners and is a very tractable racehorse, able to work or sprint if need be. Winning chance for mine and a must for your multiples.
9) Nick Off Holme (6 br m Holmes Hanover-Seafield Nicky) - Stephen McNally
Would love Nicky to get a start as I know one of the owners, but she's second emergency and would be out of her depth regardless.
10) Baileys Dream (6 b g Dream Away(USA)-Black Eyed Susan) - Ricky May
Giant pacer, but often a bit mentally thick, Baileys Dream is the in-form runner this season, and is one of the few who could run the pants off the rest over a sustained distance. Came from back in a stunning run in the Hannon Memorial on a terribly slushy track and can't be discounted. Win chance.
11) It's Ella (6 b m Washington VC-Just Ella) - David Butt
Placed in this last year, and was brought out of the broodmare paddock to return to work, but she hasn't been so convincing this time in. Draw doesn't suit either. Not for me.
12) Report For Duty (5 br g Washington VC-Aerospace) driver not confirmed
Talented young pacer who has had soundness issues, but is first emergency and is unlikely to start. Maybe one for next year.
13) Presido (6 br h Presidential Ball-Rare Class) - Robbie Holmes
Has been very disappointing for punters this year, breaking stride inexplicably in the run home, and is third emergency so won't get a start regardless.
14) Waipawa Lad (7 b g Live Or Die-Joyrock) - Mark Jones
Here's one to spice up the trifectas - or even a longshot each-way bet. He's come back a bit stronger this season, but seems to be a normal horse; going close in the big ones, but never quite saluting the judge. Put him in for third in your trifectas.
15) Bondy (6 b g Live Or Die-Killarney) - Robin Butt
Lightly-raced six-year-old who forced his way into contention with an Addington win and a win in the Kaikoura Cup. Isn't afraid of doing a bit of work, but one fears the draw will undo him here. Key indicator is that David Butt has opted to drive It's Ella, rather than Bondy.
16) Monkey King (5 bl g Sands A Flyin-Tuapeka Vale) - Steven Reid
The dead-set enigma of this race. If he steps, he automatically becomes favourite, but that's a big if. Got away nicely last time, but has messed most other standing starts this season. However, he'll appreciate the walk-up approach they have at Addington, and there's no denying his sheer speed. Can't leave out.
17) Foreal (6 bl m Washington VC-Krystle)- Jim Curtin
Another one which prefers mobiles, but she hasn't disgraced herself in her last two standing starts. She, again, could come into the race thanks to her stablemate Flashing Red, and she was a gallant performer on the Grand Circuit last season.
18) Flashing Red (10 br h Echelon(USA)-Courvy Kazi) - Anthony Butt
The grandfather of the race, but also defending champion. His dual Cup success last season - NZ and Auckland - means he's off 15 metres, and will most likely be the undoing of him. Hasn't quite looked the horse he was prior to the NZ Cup last year, but Anthony Butt will undoubtedly put him in the race with 1500 metres to go and sit him parked. I think it'll be a year too far for him tomorrow.
Voltman's top four:
Baileys Dream
Sly Flyin
Classic Cullen
Awesome Armbro
Unfortunately, the race has been slightly shorn of any international flavour, with EI ruling out any Aussies heading over, aside from Flashing Red, who had arrived prior to the outbreak and is trained by Canterbury trainers Tim Butt and Phil "Prop" Anderson anyway.
Runner-by-runner analysis:
1) Keeprightondreaming (8 b g Fake Left-Delightful Franco) - Shane Walkinshaw
Shares the same sire as Australasian champion Blacks A Fake but it's there where the similarities end. Sneaks into this field probably thanks to his fourth at Kaikoura last month but the 1 draw will either make or break him. Inside draws from the stand can be a challenge for some horses, but if he starts well, he will attempt to lead early and could lop an early trail. However, he's best when he grinds away in the lead. No chance, even of a place.
2) Awesome Armbro (5 b g Armbro Operative-Abbeybell)- Phillip Butcher
Slightly biased towards "Sonny" (his stable name, which comes from Sonny Bill Williams, as they both have a tendency to misbehave) as my mate has a share in him. Is a horse with a huge reputation, without ever having done anything massive, aside from an impressive fourth as a four-year-old in the Auckland Cup last season. Will appreciate the draw, but has had issues with his manners from the stand this season and will either be a genuine chance or completely out of it after 50 metres. Each-way hope and can either lead or take a sit.
3) Sly Flyin (9 br g Sands A Flyin-Sly Soky) - Tony Herlihy
"What if" is the catch-cry of Sly's career. Injuries have thwarted what could have been a great horse, but he comes into this race beautifully, despite a head-scratching failure at Ashburton in the Flying Stakes. Will love the 15 metres he has on Flashing Red, and is a definite winning chance, as he will be handy to the pace throughout. In my top three.
4) Tribute ( 6 bl h In The Pocket-Going Royce) - David Earnshaw
The smokey in this race. While David Earnshaw has the drive, don't be surprised if this is Butt and Anderson's best hope). He finished over the top beautifully to take the Flying Stakes after some early-season issues, and don't be surprised to see Flashing Red sit parked (as usual) and soften up the leaders to allow Tribute or Foreal (another stable runner) to peel out for one run. Will be in my trifecta.
5) Roman Gladiator (7 b g Christian Cullen-Assisi) - Colin De Filippi
Another injury-ravaged horse looking to finally build on age-grade form. We know he can run the distance - a 4.05 win over 3200m (plus an extra 45m handicap) in the Tuapeka Cup was a real eye-opener. Only query for me is if he can win with anything other than a handy sit close to the pace. I'll be leaving him out, but won't be surprised to see him get up.
6) Changeover (4 b h In The Pocket-Chaangerr) - David Butcher
The TAB will be hoping like hell he fails as several big multi bets running through Melbourne Cup winner Efficient terminate on Changeover. His invincibility took a knock at Ashburton when he was softened up by Flashing Red and wilted over the last 200m. Will have learned plenty from that, with it being his first step up to open-class, but I'm not totally convinced he'll see out the 3200m, and he's been used to soft leads in front.
7) Power Of Tara (5 b g Live Or Die-Atomic Gold) - Scott Phelan
Has failed to win several easy lead-up races which he should have, and isn't helped by Scott Phelan being in the bike. Can't have him.
8) Classic Cullen (6 b g Christian Cullen-Karara Lass) - Mark Purdon
Want an omen bet? Here's one. Classic Cullen is part-owned by Graeme Rogerson, the winning trainer of Efficient. Aside from that, he's an excellent hope, with good manners and is a very tractable racehorse, able to work or sprint if need be. Winning chance for mine and a must for your multiples.
9) Nick Off Holme (6 br m Holmes Hanover-Seafield Nicky) - Stephen McNally
Would love Nicky to get a start as I know one of the owners, but she's second emergency and would be out of her depth regardless.
10) Baileys Dream (6 b g Dream Away(USA)-Black Eyed Susan) - Ricky May
Giant pacer, but often a bit mentally thick, Baileys Dream is the in-form runner this season, and is one of the few who could run the pants off the rest over a sustained distance. Came from back in a stunning run in the Hannon Memorial on a terribly slushy track and can't be discounted. Win chance.
11) It's Ella (6 b m Washington VC-Just Ella) - David Butt
Placed in this last year, and was brought out of the broodmare paddock to return to work, but she hasn't been so convincing this time in. Draw doesn't suit either. Not for me.
12) Report For Duty (5 br g Washington VC-Aerospace) driver not confirmed
Talented young pacer who has had soundness issues, but is first emergency and is unlikely to start. Maybe one for next year.
13) Presido (6 br h Presidential Ball-Rare Class) - Robbie Holmes
Has been very disappointing for punters this year, breaking stride inexplicably in the run home, and is third emergency so won't get a start regardless.
14) Waipawa Lad (7 b g Live Or Die-Joyrock) - Mark Jones
Here's one to spice up the trifectas - or even a longshot each-way bet. He's come back a bit stronger this season, but seems to be a normal horse; going close in the big ones, but never quite saluting the judge. Put him in for third in your trifectas.
15) Bondy (6 b g Live Or Die-Killarney) - Robin Butt
Lightly-raced six-year-old who forced his way into contention with an Addington win and a win in the Kaikoura Cup. Isn't afraid of doing a bit of work, but one fears the draw will undo him here. Key indicator is that David Butt has opted to drive It's Ella, rather than Bondy.
16) Monkey King (5 bl g Sands A Flyin-Tuapeka Vale) - Steven Reid
The dead-set enigma of this race. If he steps, he automatically becomes favourite, but that's a big if. Got away nicely last time, but has messed most other standing starts this season. However, he'll appreciate the walk-up approach they have at Addington, and there's no denying his sheer speed. Can't leave out.
17) Foreal (6 bl m Washington VC-Krystle)- Jim Curtin
Another one which prefers mobiles, but she hasn't disgraced herself in her last two standing starts. She, again, could come into the race thanks to her stablemate Flashing Red, and she was a gallant performer on the Grand Circuit last season.
18) Flashing Red (10 br h Echelon(USA)-Courvy Kazi) - Anthony Butt
The grandfather of the race, but also defending champion. His dual Cup success last season - NZ and Auckland - means he's off 15 metres, and will most likely be the undoing of him. Hasn't quite looked the horse he was prior to the NZ Cup last year, but Anthony Butt will undoubtedly put him in the race with 1500 metres to go and sit him parked. I think it'll be a year too far for him tomorrow.
Voltman's top four:
Baileys Dream
Sly Flyin
Classic Cullen
Awesome Armbro
headhunter
International Vice-Captain
If it was to do with english/irish racing id be more than happy to join.
Smudge
Hall of Fame Member
Shows you what I know. The old warhorse, Flashing Red, got up after a massive run to win. Baileys Dream's chances were extinguished when he was forced to sit parked throughout, but showed a hint of what he's capable of, while Changeover only got clear late. 3.57 over the two miles is stunning.