As he does most weeks, David McCarthy over at All Stars Racing Stables has previewed all of their runners at tonights harness racing meeting at Auckland.
With their kind permission we reproduce that preview here
Race 5
Prince Fearless (3) Natalie
Form:
Outsprinted in Trotting Derby last start.
Smart in the Hambletonian before that but this is his first start right-handed
Comment:
"The pick of our two.
The question is whether he will handle the other way of going because he has not tried it before.
I think he will be ok.
He does quite a bit of work the Auckland way around at home and seems to enjoy it.
But you can never tell until the actual raceday experience comes along.
I think he is still improving but it is a strong field and a place will still be a good result.
Arya (7) Mark
Form
Ran on fairly once headed in Trotting Oaks. This is a harder field.
Comment:
"Seems to be doing well up there and proven on the course.
This is quite a step up for her and as I say there are some smart ones in here"
Race 6
Arden's Choice (7) Mark
Form:
Outstanding in near record time in Sires Stakes heat last start.
Comment:
"I would rate her equal with Northern Velocity at this stage as the second best of ours.
Both of them can do little things wrong and it can let them down at times.
Arden's Choice went a fast time and won well in the Sires Stakes so she is in the mix.
Northern Velocity (3) Natalie
Form:
By her previous run a touch disappointing last start but still close up.
Comment:
"Just a minor blood problem after last race.
She has ability as she has shown and when she does it right she can match most around.
But she can still do little things wrong and that could count against her"
Sophisticated Lady (4) Tony Herlihy
Form: Been battling in these sort of fields lately
Comment: "She hasn't been racing up to her best. If she ran like she did first up she would be a first four chance but she has to step up on what she has done lately"
Race 7
Willow (7) Natalie
Form: Grand placing in Breeders Stakes at Addington and then won well at her next start.
Career best run here.
Comment:
"Well it is Willow and you know what you will get.
She goes well up there but she never wants to do more than she has to and she can win by some pretty narrow margins.
But she is an honest racehorse and she is a strong chance"
Race 8
Border Control (4) Mark
Form:
Outstanding run in Easter Cup.
Owns the New Zealand record at this trip.
Comment:
"On the Easter Cup run he has to be given the edge of our two.
This is going to be a terrific race and it is hard to predict the outcome.
There will be early speed from those inner draws for sure and wider horses going back might find the race is over for them fairly early.
The harder they go the better Border Control should like it and that is his advantage"
Isaiah (5) Natalie
Form:
Not really suited at Forbury Park and has fine record here.
Comment:
"I have been pleased with his work at home and he has done well in the north according to the team. He is tough which is a big asset in a race like this and he will be put into the race.
There is no future in doing anything else from a mid draw.
I wouldn't count him out especially for a place and he might be a bit of value"
Race 9
King Denny (7) Mark
Form:
Just started racing against the top all aged fields and good effort at Addington behind the best.
Comment:
"I think I would regard him more of a place chance but he is measuring up to those top ones even though he has only just started racing against them.
He is a gem really, a really focussed racehorse and fairly laid back with it.
Maybe he will need more practice against the old stagers to start beating them regularly but he has the ability to upset them any time"
Courtesy of All Stars Racing Stables
