The 23 win pacer Waikiki Beach has been scratched from his cup day assignment, but is likely to start three days later on Show day in the Woodlands New Zealand Pacing Free For All over a mobile 1950m.
The Woodlands New Zealand Pacing Free For All has drawn 17 nominations this year and is a race that will almost certainly include the New Zealand Trotting Cup winner from next Tuesday amongst the starters.
Lazarus won the New Zealand Pacing Free For All last year in a record 1-52.4 mile rate after winning the New Zealand Cup three days earlier.
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Unbeaten Auckland Reactor gelding Chase Auckland has copped a nasty draw in the $170,000 NRM Sires Stakes Final at Addington on Cup day. Or has he?
Depending on scratchings Chase Auckland will start from either two on the second line following out the stablemate All U Need Is Faith, or if the first emergency (The Brooklyn Brawler) comes out, then that means he would start behind King Of Swing, who is a good chance to at least lead early before handing up to either another All Stars attacker, or even Alta Maestro who will surely head forward from his wide draw.
Following out King Of Swing could be a blessing in disguise, as Natalie Rasmussen won with The Devils Own from three back on the fence in the PGG Wrightson Yearling Sales Final 2yo back in May this year, beating Alta Maestro who had tried to lead all the way in that race.
Auckland Reactor won his first four starts in a row and then the Sires Stakes Final at his fifth start. Chase Auckland has won his first four starts and is having his fifth start in the NRM Sires Stakes on Tuesday. The Alabar Racing Syndicate who own Chase Auckland will be at the track in large numbers will be hoping history can repeat this year with Chase Auckland taking home the major prize.
Whatever happens, the NRM Sires Stakes final will be one of the more interesting races on cup day this year.
Note: The All Stars barn will have at least six runners in the NRM Sires Stakes on Tuesday, and their stable have provided the quinella in the Sires Stakes Final for the last three years.
Harnesslink Media