The first set of harness racing trials in the Canterbury area for 2016 were held at Rangiora Raceway today and several new faces impressed as they prepare for race debuts.

One who took our eye was Habibi Inta.

Whenever Paul Nairn lines up a two year old trotter, it pays to sit up and take notice and today was no different.

Paul entered Habibi Inta in the standing start qualifying trot over 2600 metres and drove the two year old colt himself and it was the manner of the win that really impressed.

Away second early, the trotter in front of him broke soon after but Habibi Inta never missed a beat avoiding the galloper .

Taking a trail soon after behind Helen Shapiro, Habibi Inta was dropped by a couple of lengths on turning in by Helen Sharipo but dug deep and grabbed the leader 70 metres out and went on to win by a head.

Habibi Inta trotted the 2600 metres in 3:32.7, nearly seven seconds inside the required time and the beautifully bred son of Love You has laid down a marker so early in the season with today's run.

Being a full brother to the champion age group trotter Habibti and to last years New Zealand Trotters Oaks winner in Habibti Ivy, Habibi Inta has the breeding to go with the ability he showed today.

Paul Nairn was still undecided where he would go from here.

"I might just give him a start or two in maidens and then turn him out for a brief spell as the big races for juvenile trotters are not until late April- early May.

"I like to give my two year olds a few standing starts before they see a mobile which was why he was in the stand today."

"His dam is doing a huge job and he has all the attributes of a top horse."

"Being a colt, he was a bit of a handful early on but as we upped his workload he came to it pretty quickly," Paul said.

Like a lot of the Love You's, Habibi Inta is a big lump of a two year old but looks to have the manners and ability to make his mark at two.

And with Paul Nairn in his corner, Habibi Inta has a big advantage over most of his competitors.

Harnesslink Media