Another feature race on the big night of harness racing at Addington on Friday night is the New Zealand Trotting Derby and it has thankfully at least drawn a field with double figure runners.
Here is our preview of the New Zealand Trotting Derby.
1) Starlight Starbright – Starts: 22 Wins: 2 Secs: 0 Thirds: 5 Life: $14,907
Has shown a lot of ability at times but not consistently and not at this level.
Several outside him can really leave the gate and he could end up four or five deep from barrier one which negates any advantage the draw gave him.
We can't see him in four.
Not for us
2) Springbank Eden – Starts: 15 Wins: 2 Secs: 1 Thirds: 1 Life: $12,621
Another one plagued by inconsistency throughout his career but has been slowly getting better and has something to offer here.
Can get off the gate good so we think he will look to lead and then trail the favourite Prince Fearless.
Still have doubts he can run in four even from the trail but draw and mobile give him an outside chance of running in the first four.
3) Prince Fearless – Starts: 10 Wins: 3 Secs: 3 Thirds: 0 Life: $89,144
We think the extra distance this week in the Derby is what this horse has been crying out for.
He is a dead set stayer and as he showed on Cup day the 2600 metres will hold no fears for him.
Privately timed to run his last 2400 metres that day in 2:58.6 and still won without being driven out.
Should lead and hard to see how they run him down from there.
Top pick for us.
4) Wanna Play – Starts: 16 Wins: 2 Secs: 3 Thirds: 4 Life: $59,795
Has had a few issues since going to Auckland but went a lot more like her old self last week
Very good stayer so 2600 metres will suit down to the ground.
Really good run last week where she came from last at the 400 metres to run fifth after having absolutely no luck in the running.
Trifecta and first four player with run to suit.
5) BD Love – Starts: 6 Wins: 3 Secs: 1 Thirds: 1 Life: $27,504
Talented son of Love You who is a dead set stayer like most of the Love You's so the 2600 metres is right up his alley.
Can do work in his races and still keep going so can be put in the race when ever Ken Barron wants.
A couple here may have the wood on him ability wise but won't be far away.
First four player for us.
6) Speeding Spur – Starts: 12 Wins: 6 Secs: 2 Thirds: 2 Life: $61,946
Has been in great form all season with his only defeat in six starts coming in the Hambletonian at Ashburton to Prince Fearless.
Smart win over 2700 metres last time at Alexandra Park so the distance is no worry for him.
If he had drawn inside of Prince Fearless he would have had a great chance of rolling the favourite but being out at six makes it tough.
Huge chance regardless so include in everything.
7) Habibti Ivy – Starts: 6 Wins: 3 Secs: 0 Thirds: 2 Life: $33,495
Easy win in the Trotting Oaks last week and extra distance here won't worry her at all.
Ran on very strongly at the start before that to finish right with Prince Fearless and Monbet and is still on the improve so a live chance here.
Appeals as a real out and out stayer so she is a must include for all combination takers.
Include in everything.
8) Soney Beatt – Starts: 18 Wins: 2 Secs: 2 Thirds: 2 Life: $14,965
Not the worst in this field and he is one that will appreciate the extra distance.
However the draw of barrier eight coupled with the quality of the field makes this mission impossible in our view.
Not for us.
9) Fiery Mountain Girl – Scratched
SECOND LINE
10) Monbet – Starts: 11 Wins: 6 Secs: 1 Thirds: 1 Life: $86,807
This is one horse that needed a draw and one on the second line behind an average beginner is the last thing the Hopes would have been looking for.
Outstanding talent who with any luck can still play a big part here.
Driver Ricky May will be hoping that Prince Fearless and Speeding Spur go to war a long way out because if that happens then it will bring Monbet right into the contest late in the piece.
Include in everything.
11) Sky Commander – Starts: 8 Wins: 2 Secs: 1 Thirds: 5 Life: $10,320
Nice horse in the making who has great manners and a big motor.
A recent addition to the huge Merv and Meg Butterworth racing team, this race may have come to early for him in our view.
Handled the gate really well at his only start behind it so could get a cosy run through behind Springbank Eden.
A few here would look to have the wood on him at this stage but one to take notes on for the future.
SELECTIONS
From the draw it is hard to go past Prince Fearless.
He has gate speed and should lead and from there he is very very hard to beat.
Speeding Spur is going great but is going to have lift even further to win here.
Still a clear second pick from the draw.
But for his bad draw Monbet would be vying for favouritism here and should he get a run to suit is still a major player.
Throw in Wanna Play, BD Love and Habibti Ivy for trifectas and first fours.
Harnesslink Media