Manhattan Sparkle, a member of Murray Edmonds' in form Motukarara stable, was a smart qualifier for the two year old filly (pacers) section of next month's Breeders' Crown semi final in Victoria.

A rapidly improving second season gelding in Graham Court's well performed string, Nitro unwound dourly to overhaul his rivals in the feature race of the day the $13,000 Rangiora Winter Stakes.
Manhattan Sparkle is raced by Melbourne businessman Tony Conte who bought him at the NZ Yearling Sales. She had been a smart trials winner at Rangiora late last month and had gained a first and a second beforehand in two workouts.

"She is certainly above average and has always looked good from day one,'' trainer Edmonds said.

Edmonds has never had a Breeders' Crown runner and said part owner Conte would give her to an Australian friend to train for the Breeders' Crown. She is scheduled to fly from Melbourne on 21 July, Edmonds said.

Edmonds' brother Craig, who also trains at Motukarara, sent his good young trotter Earl of Mot to Victorian trainer John Justice to win the 3 Year Old Breeders' Crown last season.

"She is a big filly for a two year old but has always been naturally precocious,'' Edmonds said of Manhattan Sparkle.

Trainer Court said Nitro was "getting braver'' all the time in that he was a little fragile earlier when unable to do much work, needing to be saved for one last run.

"But he is certainly improving in that respect and I thought Terry (driver Chmiel) got it dead right with him today...He is a good driver who can follow instructions to the letter.''

"He is a nice type of horse and found the line well after we bided our time,'' Chmiel said of Nitro.

Trainer Court said Nitro was typical of most Mach Three stock in that he continued to improve. Comebackmach has been another by the sire Court has won with this season.

"He (Nitro) is a lovely horse to do anything with and I will give him one or two more starts before easing him.

Court trained Nitro's dam Hessie to win in 1:57 as a maiden at Ashburton. Nitro is her first foal.
Nitro is closely related to former ace northern pacer Captain Harcourt.

Court, incidentally, said he had abandoned plans to campaign his good juvenile trotter Shing Bromac at the Breeders' Crown.

The astute West Melton trainer said he had not been entirely convinced the talented youngster was quite up to scratch for a long trip and racing in another country at this stage.

Don Wright