First time clash between stable standouts

Two of Diamond Racing’s top-liners will square off each other for the first time at Addington tonight – it’s four-year-old harness racing sensation Got The Chocolates (Art Major) vs five-year-old star It’s Tough (Bettor’s Delight).

The two Robert and Jenna Dunn-trained stablemates will go head to head in Race 8, the Road Metals Handicap Pace (8.54pm).

Got The Chocolates will be off 25 metres in what will be his first standing start with It’s Tough off 15 metres.

They have very similar career records. Got The Chocolates has won 10 from 25 with It’s Tough 11 from 26.

Last week Got The Chocolates produced a huge fresh up run to win at Addington to kick start 2026.

“He has come through that run so well we thought we’d line him up again,” says driver John Dunn.

Dunn will link up with him again tonight while Riley Harrison will drive It’s Tough.

While Got The Chocolates’ rivalry with Marketplace was a highlight of 2025 the form of It’s Tough was another. He won seven from 10 and then started this year with back to back wins at Nelson in January.

He also won his trial at Addington on March 11.

“It was a nice time and a nice run,” says Dunn.

Got The Chocolates is the $1.28 red hot favourite with It’s Tough at $3.60. They dominate the market with Double Jeopardy next at $11.

The in-form Dunn is currently second in the drivers’ premiership with 30 wins and looks to be in for a huge night with “a great bunch of drives”

One Over Da Line (Race 2), debutant Texas Ranger (Race 3), Hoof It Hagrid (Race 4), Rock Lobster (Race 6), and Bruntwood Brigade (Race 7) are all excellent each way chances with Dunn also upbeat about another in Arma Hunter.

He’ll start from the outside of the front line in Race 9, the Gold Band Taxis Mobile Pace (9.24pm) after a close up second to Brilliant Chase last week.

“He was massive, he was off the track and got beaten by a smart horse – we think he is going places.”

He opened a $1.65 favourite.

Addington’s nine race programme gets underway at 5.20pm.

 

by Dave Di Somma, for Harness News Desk