Handy 3yo pacer Ideal World will be looking to “go one better” tonight after a string of 2nd placings for trainer Derek Balle.
In his last 6 starts, the American Ideal colt has finished 2nd in 5th of those, while the other run was a handy 8th in the Northern Derby behind Lazarus.
Owner A J McIntosh won’t be too bothered though, with those five 2nd placings coming at Alexandra Park at Auckland Trotting Club meetings, Ideal World has picked up a staggering $17,053.00.
While he has only won the one race, the first foal out of handy race mare World Of Dreams has earned just over $31,000.00 from just the 14 starts which has produced 1 win 6 seconds and a 3rd, while he has also ran 3 fourths.
Interesting enough the only two times he has finished outside of the first 4 have been the Northern Derby (8th) and the Yearling Sales Final (6th).
Ideal World is rated a $2.00 (Fixed Odds) favourite in a small but talented field which includes the Paul Court trained Cable Beach who will be improved from his fresh up run last week, while Cambridge trainer Mike Berger has his nice 3yo Max Phactor engaged from a wide draw.
Ideal World's last start 2nd.
Earlier on in the night Josh and John Dickie will line up Change The Rulz. Up from Canterbury, the 4yo Changeover mare was a recent workout winner and although drawn wide is a mare with plenty of ability.
Last start she was only 2 lengths behind Rocker Band in a quick time and even from the outside drawn does look tough to roll.
Change The Rulz last start 4th.
Andrew Fitzgerald