A punting graveyard

If Motukarara is known as harness racing’s own version of the Bermuda Triangle then today’s Akaroa Cup is the plane that is about to go missing somewhere in it.

The field of pacers drawn for the $10,000 event is one of the most even to race so far this season with plenty of exposed form and is a real taste tester to the kind of fields we can expected over the coming couple of months as the country grass track circuit really kicks into gear.

Exposed form on the green surface is always a key factor to take into account in Country Cup type races but the grass track credentials of the likely favourite for today’s Akaroa Cup has never started on a grass track.

Mighty Flying Major from the Ken and Tony Barron stable is yet to race on the grass but has two workout victories at Methven back in 2013 and 2014 to suggest he shouldn’t have any problems with handling the track.

The well-bred pacer, who has been troubled throughout his career by injury problems, has been outstanding in his five starts this time in, winning twice and placing on a further three occasions.

The only major concern is that in two starts he has been unable to win from a standing start – although in one performance from behind the barrier he finished third behind Moonrock and then in the other he was second behind Captain Dolmio.

His biggest opposition could come from the speed of last week’s Methven Green Mile winner, Franco Texas.

The Dean Taylor trained pacer was brilliant beating a quality field in the one mile feature and with a safe beginning and plenty of time to wind up that high speed the Changevover gelding will be right in the fight again.

Others who deserve a bit of attention in the race include; Johnny Eyre, Karanga Red Fantasy and Imola.

Super Selector – by Matt Markham

Race 1: Time For Diamonds, Red Hot Poker, China Express, Jacinta Franco

Race 2: Waihemo Art, Dapper George, Blingiton, Loose Cannon

Race 3: Rockthedon, Idle Bones, Izmok, Prince George

Race 4: Zimfandel, Go Davey, Franco Tmick, All About Henry

Race 5: Uralla Sue, Pick My Pocket, Maw Of A Woman, Christian Who

Race 6: Sky City King, Supreme Harmony, Shark Attack, Extreme Spark

Race 7: Volatile Lavra, Best Defence, Bird Of Paradise, Midfrew Tarpediem

Race 8: Lavros Texas, Westar Bella, Debaneyre, BK Dawn

Race 9: Mighty Flying Major, Franco Texas, Karanga Red Fantasy, Johnny Eyre

Race 10: Bella Jones, Supreme Blue Chip, Ashes Of Tears, Booster

Race 11: Torrid Bromac, Clasina Maria, Shadow Rider, Bevan’s Cullen

Best Bet: Bella Jones (Race 10)

Value: Zimfandel (Race 4)