With the four Group 1 races at the Auckland Trotting Club's harness racing meeting at Alexandra Park tomorrow night, we thought it only proper that we here at Harnesslink did an in-depth preview of all the Group 1 races.
Here is our preview of the New Zealand Sires Stakes final for two year old fillies.
1) Sophisticated Lady – Starts: 4 Wins: 0 Secs: 1 Thirds: 0 Life: $8,253
Huge run first up to run second to Northern Velocity but didn't handle the very wet track at Invercargill at her second start and it seems to have flattened her a touch.
Sat parked in the Caduceus Club Final last week and didn't give it away so not the worst here by any means.
From the draw we think she is a trifecta and first four chance.
2) Nek Time – Starts: 4 Wins: 1 Secs: 1 Thirds: 0 Life: $9,927
This filly has always shown a bit of promise but greenness in her earlier starts has cost her.
Last start win against the maidens was full of merit but it is a big step up here.
The distance of 1700 metres is more her go but still only an outside first four player for us
3) Killer Queen – Starts: 6 Wins: 1 Secs: 1 Thirds: 1 Life: $17,335
This filly started out with a huge private reputation but to date has not really lived up to it.
She did seem a lot more comfortable left handed when winning her last start at Cambridge.
Back to Auckland we struggle to see her beating a few here.
Outside first four player at best for us.
4) Luisanabelle Midfrew – Starts: 2 Wins: 0 Secs: 1 Thirds: 0 Life: $8,613
Outstanding run first up against Arden's Choice and Northern Velocity in which she split the two All Stars runners at Addington over 1950 metres after leading.
Led again at Auckland at her second start but didn't cop the 2200 metres as well as people thought she would.
Back to 1700 metres here and she looks the likely leader from barrier three so a definite trifecta and first four player for us.
5) Dream About Me – Starts: 3 Wins: 3 Secs: 0 Thirds: 0 Life: $67,400
This unbeaten half sister to Christen Me looks to have inherited all the family ability if her first three starts are anything to go by.
Her last win in the Young Guns Final was just outstanding and in that kind of form it is hard to see her beaten here.
Slight query in that she missed last week's race with a hoof abscess but stable very confident she will be spot on.
The one to beat.
6) Sem's Delight – Starts: 5 Wins: 1() Secs: 0 Thirds: 0 Life: $18,282
Nice filly who won her second start at Addington with a touch of class.
However that win did look to take the edge off her a wee bit and her next couple of runs were disappointing.
Her last start at Auckland was a lot better with her running on from well back for fifth and just over a length from third.
Outside first four player for us.
7) Arden's Choice – Starts: 6 Wins: 2 Secs: 2 Thirds: 0 Life: $95,156
Brilliant win last week and the big danger to Dream About Me.
Had some ringcraft issues in some of her earlier races but since Mark hopped into the bike she is two form two and looks top class.
Has a lot of bottom to her so you can use her in a race so draw not as bad as it seems.
Clear second pick for us.
8) Chevrons Champion – Starts: 4 Wins: 1 Secs: 1 Thirds: 0 Life: $7,920
Smart filly who beat the older horses first up at Addington before getting involved in a big battle for the lead at Invercargill and finishing fourth after a very hard run.
Her last run at Addington against a top field was good without being outstanding after a cosy run throughout.
Draw here makes it really difficult but Dexter on board makes her an outside first four player.
SECOND LINE
9) Poppy Maguire – Starts: 4 Wins: 2 Secs: 0 Thirds: 1 Life: $30,423
Filly that has tended to fly under the radar at times.
Not up to Arden's Choice or Dream About Me but capable of beating the rest with a run to suit.
Not sure if the draw is a help or a hindrance but on her record to date she is a trifecta and first four player for us.
10) Gamma Lady – Starts: 4 Wins: 1 Secs: 1 Thirds: 1 Life: $30,670
The best of the northern fillies this season with a great run for second in the Young Guns Final.
Her next trial after that was terrible as was her next race start where she raced yards below her previous form.
Her only outing since then was at the workouts last weekend where she ran second to the very talented Shandale and looked a lot more like her old self.
If the real Gamma Lady turns up tomorrow night then she is a major trifecta and first four player.
11) Northern Velocity – Starts: 5 Wins: 2 Secs: 1 Thirds: 1 Life: $50,124
Lovely big filly who is probably not as sharp as some of her stablemates when sprinting but will keep running on when some of the others are stopping.
From this draw she needs the speed to be on from the start to be a chance of rolling Dream About Me and Ardens Choice and we are not convinced that is going to happen here.
Still a clear third pick for us on what she has shown to date.
SELECTIONS
The top pick for us is without doubt Dream About Me who is all class.
Just as clearly second pick for us is Arden's Choice who has come on in leaps and bounds lately
And keeping the first three in the All Stars barn sees us with Northern Velocity as a clear third pick after her big wins at Addington and Invercargill.
To make up those first fours we would throw in Sophisticated Lady, Luisanabelle Midfrew, Poppy Maguire and Gamma Lady.
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