By virtue of his win in the Avon City Ford Cup last Friday, Chase Auckland has booked his spot in the NZ Cup. The third place of Ultimate Sniper has solidified his position in the top 15 and a stylish win by Buster Brady in Melbourne over the weekend saw him move up a spot also to 10th place.
Within the Dominion Rankings the movers were more numerous. Destiny Jones was just outside the top 15 before last week but her second place behind stunning winner, Sundees Son, has elevated her to 11th in the latest Rankings. With his third, Habibi Inta was another to improve his Ranking into the top 15. He moves to 13th from 18th. At the lower end of the Rankings spectrum Oscar Bonavena has commenced his inevitable march toward the top 15 with an effortless win at Addington last week in the mid-grade trot. He jumped from 41st to 34th. One of those to chase Oscar home was Sundons Flyer (3rd). Her effort was enough to move her from 40th to 37th.
The action heats up further from here on in. Sunday's Hannon Memorial will provide further clarity to the Cup picture, while several leading Dominion prospects will peddle their wares in the feature handicap trot on the day.
In the north this week we'll get to see Star Galleria step out for the first time in months, while the Brent Mangos pair of Bare Knuckle and The Devil's Own, along with Bettorstartdreaming will be looking to make life tough for the established star from in front of him in the handicaps. In the trotters' division, improved Arna Donnelly 6YO, CK Spur, will look to press his claims in the feature trot at Auckland on Friday night.
Courtney Clarke
Communications and Marketing Co-Ordinator
Harness Racing New Zealand Inc