Todays harness racing pick six at Ashburton raceway is terminating and guaranteed to $50,000.
With with a premier day of racing ahead and large open fields, selecting the winning combination will not be easy.
A highlight of the day is the Ashburton Flying Stakes, a traditional lead-up race to the New Zealand Cup in November. This years running of the Flying Stakes is one of the more even contests in the last several years.
The All Stars Stable of Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen have three of the leading chances in the race including the New Zealand cup favourite Ultimate Machete.
Natalie Rasmussen commented on the All Stars website that Eamon Maguire is probably the one of most interest.
"I am very happy with him he worked good during the week and this race will tell us whether we go to the Kaikoura Cup or what happens next.
"He has handled standing starts but especially when he is a bit fresh he can get a bit toey leading up to the start so that is a wee worry in a race like this.
"But all going well he is really ready to go a big race if he does things right.
"Dream About Me is just in great condition. Last year year she was a lovely big mare and now she is a huge big mare! but she has all the bases covered and she will be hard to beat.
"Ultimate Machete has really cleaned up since Methven. Mark felt his work on Friday was as good as he has done this time in and he is right in a race like this.
"Makes it difficult to pick out," she said
The All Stars stable holds the key to several other legs of pick six as well especially in the second to last leg where they have six of the runners in the twelve horse field.
The first leg of Pick Six starts on Race 6 at 3:04pm
Leg 1 Race 6 [3:04pm]
An unlucky big finisher at his last start against the top horses in the Methven Cup sees Airpark Flyer as the main chance and possible anchor for the first leg of pick six. Probable leader Nearis Green is going to be hard to catch around his home track and would be a good back up along with the unbeaten Flying Mister Ideal who could fly home late.
Leg 2 Race 7 [3:42pm]
Leg two is the Ashburton Flying Stakes with several winning chances in what is an evenly matched race from the standing start 2400m. NZ Cup favourite Ultimate Machete would be our top selection with Star Galleria, Dream About Me and Eammon Maguire all needed as well in what is a tricky leg.
Leg 3 Race 8 [4:18pm]
Another tricky leg of pick six here with the leading chance Sundees Son occasionally prone to doing things wrong at the start or during the race. If his manners are good he looks the winner but backup could be needed. Globe Trekker,Ruthless Kayla, McLovin and We'll Meet Again are all chances but take as many as the budget allows in this leg.
Leg 4 Race 9 [4:53pm]
The fourth leg is also tough with five horses we think that have the best winning chance. Harriet Of Mot is trotting so well at the moment and she might be the hardest to beat from the ace draw. Great Things Happen drawn beside her has gate speed and could lead early if Gavin Smith pushes the go button off the mobile gate. Marcoola and Winterfell will both appreciate the big track and will go forward at some stage and Woodstone could be the knockout if he gets a cart into the race at the right time.
Leg 5 Race 10 [5:33pm]
The All Stars Stable dominate this leg of pick six training half of the twelve horse field. Turn It Up is the logical favourite and has been good from a stand in his previous starts. It would pay to include Ashley Locaz, Spankem and All You Need Is Faith as all are solid winning chances with the right trip.
Leg 6 Race 11 [6:12pm]
The final leg is an even go and there are a number of chances again. Artstanding is coming in fresh but has the draw and he did win in that condition last season. Ready To Bloom has a tricky draw but is needed along with Johnny White, Mama Knows Best, Wainui Creek and Mongolian Cavalry.
Suggested Pick Six ($19.20 for 10%)
Leg 1 7
Leg 2 1,2,7,8
Leg 3 11
Leg 4 2,3,7,8
Leg 5 4,5,7,8
Leg 6 5,6,7,10,12,15
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