"The Inter Dominions always have classy fields with their heats but I would say as far as quality fields go across the 10 races, this would be the most impressive line-up of horses I have come across. We have four Group races and New Zealand's best two and three-year-olds competing from both Islands. You couldn't ask for much better," Odgers said.

The Group races he was referring to were the two $500,000 Group One events - the Woodlands Stud Northern Derby at 9.20pm and the Trillian Trust Auckland Cup half an hour later. Then there's Group Two $100,000 Breckon Farms Young Guns Cardigan Bay Stales at 8.52pm and the Group Three $30,000 Auckland Co-op Taxis City Of Sails Free-For-All trot at 10.20pm.

Odgers was delighted with the work that his staff had put in to get a quality Auckland Cup field. He also paid a tribute to New Zealand's horsemen and owners.

"Considering the Final was on Sunday the Club has done really well attracting New Zealand's best for the Auckland Cup. It is a credit to all the trainers and owners who have nominated their horses. Even though the Inter Dominions and Auckland Cup weren't far apart this season we have been planning for this race for 12 months now," Odgers said.

"It will be slightly different at next year's 'Inters' in Christchurch. The Cup will be run two weeks before the opening heats," he added.

He especially thanked the South Island horsemen who had made the venture north.

"We had 37 horses up here for our Auckland Cup Carnival. That is huge. It's going to be a great night. All we need is the fine weather to stay with us," Odgers said.

No race on the 10-race programme is less than $25,000 in stake money. In total $1,405, 000 in stakes will be up for grabs.

Opening odds for the two Group One races were:

2010 AUCKLAND CUP:

Monkey King $2.20; Bettor's Strike $6; Changeover $6.50; Bondy $7; Tintin In America $9; Highview Tommy and Pembrook Benny $16; Baileys Dream $18; Raglan $21; Big Dog $26; Ohoka Dallas and Awesome Armbro $31; Power Of Tara $41; Georgetown $61.

2010 NORTHERN DERBY:

Russley Rascal $2.50; Sir Lincoln $4; Four Starzzz Flash $7; Gomeo Romeo and Courage To Rule $8; Secret Potion $11; Hip Hop Anvil $15; Devil Dodger and Eridanus $21; Anvils Best Ever $31; Five Star Anvil $41; Franco Hendrix, Kynuna Boo, Fells Like Magic and Choise Achiever all $61.

Duane RANGER (editor)