Addington runs a premier night of harness racing action on Friday the 12th
Here we look through the strong card and the races that catch the eye.
The 4th of the night the “Woodlands Stud Sires Stakes Harness 7000” is dominated, at least in name, by Bruce Negus. The Burnham based trainer lines up no less than four runners in an all-out attack on this $40’000 event. He does hold a strong hand too with Corravally Star having more exposed form than most and Perfect Cut having the early speed to attempt to dictate terms from the front. Zarias, the Zachary Butcher trained son of Changeover will also carry support following a notable debut win at Alexandra Park. It’s a good concept this Harness 7000 and I’m sure most are pleased that it’s managed to attract a strong field.
Race 5 the “Fahey Fence Hire Summer Trotting FFA” is due to clear the mobile arm at 7.11 pm. The field is a strong one with the Hope stable producing two of the most exciting trotting stars of the last season or so in Midnight Dash (drawn 3) and Muscle Mountain (operating from the #5 barrier) Dark horse, coming off a treble of back-to-back wins is entitled to carry support but this field is a step up on the last outing and she’ll have to be at her brilliant best to prevail. The Dominator, the impressive Vacation Hill and Splash Cola all have strong mobile records too and add real depth to this quality field.
The NZB Standardbred Harness Million 3YO Fillies rolls around at 7.40 and sees the Mark Jones stable hold sway over the field of twelve. Braeview Kelly, who possesses an explosive turn of foot, draws well at #2 while her stablemate, the free-wheeling La Rosa, will have work to do from a second line draw but there’s little doubting her ability to win given her race record against arguably stronger fields. The Hayden Cullen trained Avana is confined to an inside second row draw and may need early luck while the Robert Dunn trained Off N Gone, who has been strong in her last three race day appearances, will need to overcome the car park draw of #9. Expect mid-race moves here.
The Coca Cola Summer Cup at Group 3 level is the next humdinger on this big night with the New Zealand Cup victor from last year Self Assured going to battle with the New Zealand Cup winner of 2018 in The Fixer. Classie Brigade, a known mobile arm flyer, will start from the widest barrier but could still have too many wheels for his rivals early. Pembrook Playboy, the Southern raider, looks to further cement his open class credentials here and will have options from his nice #2 barrier. A small field yes but it certainly doesn’t lack for quality.
The last Group race on the card is the feature of the night. “The Leefield Station NZ Breeders Stakes” at Group 1 level will be run at 9.10pm and sees the amazing Amazing Dream look to defy them all and notch another memorable victory. The 2600m will sort the real women out from the girls here as this title normally brings the very best to the top. Look for Watch Me Now to continue her stellar form of late alongside Need You Now who simply looks incapable of going a poor race. The Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan trained Havtime should be respected and is likely to receive an economical trip from an inside second row draw. Plutonium Lady, Enchantee and Spellbound will also have their fans and their chance to run into things if the race tempo is in their favor.
All things considered a wonderful night of racing at Addington.
Ben McMillan