It is the biggest day on the New Zealand harness racing calander and this year the cup day fields look very even with the possibilty of an upset on the cards in several of the races.

We have done a preview of all races for Tuesday including a few longer priced outsiders worth throwing into your combinations.

Race 1

Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen are now training Glass Half Full (4) and his cup trial run was very good. A bit of question mark over the standing start and all his races have been mobile starts but he has been beginning ok at trials and workouts. Oamaru trotter Blazing Under Fire (9) looks a stayer in the making and the 3200m distance should suit this horse. The stand is a bit of a worry but he can win with a safe beginning. A couple of horses off the front at longer odds worth including are Lavros Texas (2) and Lothario (10). Both are a bit one paced but have plenty of staying ability and can stick if the pace is on.

Race 2

The Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen stable have a stranglehold on this race with five good chances. We prefer to take the top drivers when the money is up and with Mark driving All Star Magician (2) and Natalie on Boults On Fire (5) those two are our logical top two choices. Letsgotothehop (4) has been impressive at workouts and is worth including and the Allstars other runners Ricardo (6) and Augusta (9) also having their chance in what is a very open and even field.

Race 3

The way Twelve Monkeys (2) has been trotting he will take some beating in this race with a safe beginning. Hey Yo (4) and Le Lievre's Gift (3) are also going well and drawn to settle handy so need to be included. Waterloo Sunset (6) has downgraded for this race and would be hard to beat if he could get to the front at any stage. The backmarkers might find it hard to get into the race in this one.

Race 4

Another good chance for the Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen barn here with Dream About Me (9) looking a very good bet in this race. Her run in the cup trial was superb and she could be too good for this field although she will have to overcome a fresh Locharburn (8) who has the new Zealand record for this distance on this track of 3:06.5. Field Marshal (7) and Piccadilly Princess (5) also have claims in this field 

Race 5

The two Robert Dunn trained runners look the ones here with both producing big runs in the cup trials. We favour Dancing In The Dark (2) with the better draw but American Tart (13) will come looking for the lead at some stage and can win if she gets it. Clasina Maria (10) should get a good run three deep on the fence and is a place chance at longer odds as is Runaway Star (14) even from the bad draw. 

Race 6

Marcoola (6) is a trotter in form and he will head forward at some stage here to make it hard for the chasing bunch. Habibti (1) and Sheemon (2) both went well at the cup trials and have good draws so need to be included. Monbet (12) is very short in the TAB market here and will not get it all his own way in this race but can still win if close enough on the turn.

Race 7

More The Better (5) looks a good chance for the Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen stable here getting in as a six win horse and drawn the front line, he was good in the cup trials. Star Galleria (4) was also impressive in the cup trials and should lead early but could get plenty of attackers during the running. Ultimate Machete (8) has drawn wider here but is a class horse and looks to have closed the gap on More The Better this season with not much between them. Billy Badger (2) could end up with a soft run and could be the knockout at long odds with the right trip.

Race 8

Mr Mojito (13) for the Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen stable has won his last five on end and has been in dominating form. His run in the in the cup trials was very easy with quick sectionals, but it will not be easy though from the back row and with plenty of speed off the front line. The Big Boss (2) is a rolling type and could set up a very quick time off the front in this race. Captain Dolmio (10) will be lurking three deep on the fence and he has run 3:07.7 for this distance must include. Superfecta (3) is another Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen rained horse who is racing well and can win.

Race 9

Vincent (11) from the Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen team will be hardest to beat in this race. He is drawn to get a good run through at the start and is unbeaten on race day. His cup trials run was very good and he has been well backed on early fixed odds markets. Stablemate The Fixer (4) is also well drawn in this race and can figure. Baileys Rock (2) was good winning at Kaikoura and could try for an end to end win with The Governer (10) a chance and sure to be be following him through if that scenario eventuates.

Race 10

The New Zealand Cup favorite Lazarus (5) will be hardest to beat here. He has had 17 wins from 20 starts and has won his last two easily against  similar fields. The 3200m will hold no fears for him and he is a good beginner making him a clear top pick. Stablemate Smolda (3) is also a good stayer and was a close second in this race last year. Have Faith in Me (16) has a few issues with the standing start but is primed to run a big race with a safe beginning. Messini (2) is almost a forgotten horse after his disappointing Kaikoura run but has good draw and could sneak a place at longer odds. Titian Banner (12) is in that same category but has a motor and has been set for this race so is not the worst.

Race 11

Everybody Knows (9) galloped away in the cup trials but did win impressively before that he looks a standout in this race with a safe beginning. Beg Hall (12) was a good third last start and has claims in this race and Kingdom Come (4) has good form against similar fields and is sure to be running on at the finish. Jean Sebastian (14) also a good chance if he can get handy before the home turn.

Race 12

A tricky race to finish with many chances over the 1950m mobile. Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen have Benicio (10) in the race and he did not handle the track at Kaikoura last start but he did catch the eye in the cup trials last Wednesday running home quickly under a hold. He can win with luck in the running.  Mighty Flying Major (3) was a good third last start and he will go forward early to put himself in the must include basket. Major Rocket (1) was good in the cup trials and Dexter will have her in a good spot from the ace draw. Torrid Bromac (2) had a tough trip last start but can go better here from the mobile at longer odds.

Best Bet:       Race 9    Vincent

Best Value:    Race 2    All Star Magician

Harnesslink Media