New Zealand Analyst – Insider edition 22nd May

Addington takes centre stage on Friday night with a quality 10-race programme featuring several standout age-group and feature harness racing events, including the Welcome Stakes, NZ Sires’ Stakes Final and the always competitive Country Championship Final.

A strong mix of emerging juveniles, proven open-class performers and progressive trotters shapes one of the deeper Canterbury meetings seen in recent weeks.

Race 5 – Syncroflex Express NZ 2YO Trotting Stakes (Group 3)

$50,000 – 1980m Mobile Trot

The young trotters step into Group company and several promising types look capable of taking another leap forward. Early manners will be crucial and there appears genuine depth through the field.

Master McGoogan (7)

Strong winner here last start after making his move from the 500m and the confidence from that victory should hold him in good stead again. Clearly one of the leading hopes.

T K Supersonic (3)

Sharp improvement into Group 1 company last time and now gets a handy draw to work with. Looks capable of securing another major cheque.

Ellie Diamond (6)

Performed with plenty of merit at Alexandra Park and brings strong northern form into this. Definitely good enough to feature prominently.

La Venture (4)

Excellent debut effort after working early and still finding the line strongly. Natural improvement makes her a major contender.

Macy Royale (8)

Closed off nicely behind Master McGoogan last start and should appreciate a genuinely run race again.

Selections:
Master McGoogan / T K Supersonic / Ellie Diamond / La Venture / Macy Royale

 

Race 6 – Avon City Ford Welcome Stakes (Group 1)

$100,000 – 1980m Mobile Pace

One of the strongest juvenile pacing fields assembled this season with several unbeaten or highly progressive youngsters clashing in a fascinating Group 1 contest.

Early speed looks crucial and the first lap could shape the result.

Travel Agent (3)

Huge run in defeat last time after doing work and still fighting hard late. Drawn to get every opportunity and looks a major winning threat.

Chiggsy (5)

Could not have gone much better in his Group 1 placing and recent trial form suggests he has returned in top order. Big danger.

Roger That (2)

Already a proven Group 1 winner and gains another ideal draw. Professional type who gives himself every chance.

Metro Boy (6)

Natural improvement was obvious last start and he continues to develop nicely. Worth serious respect in combinations.

Not Guilty (7)

Trial form has been strong and while this is the deep end on debut, he profiles as one with upside.

Selections:
Travel Agent / Chiggsy / Roger That / Metro Boy / Not Guilty

 

Race 7 – Heather Williams Memorial (Group 3)

$40,000 – 1980m Mobile Trot

A deep mares trot where several runners bring strong recent form into the race and the mobile conditions should suit a number of key chances.

The race looks likely to be run genuinely throughout.

Eurostyle (9)

Trial winner since her last outing and her mobile form stacks up strongly for this assignment. Looks one of the hardest to beat.

Hidden Talent (8)

Deserves more luck than she has been getting and the mobile conditions are a definite assist. Strong each way claims.

Mavis Jones (4)

Fresh off a tidy win and should secure another economical trip from the good draw. Genuine top-three player.

Princess Sadie (7)

Back to mobile conditions after a tougher standing-start assignment and that should suit nicely. Capable of bouncing back.

Dash Dosh (13)

Class mare resuming after Oaks success earlier in the season. Quiet trials but cannot be underestimated fresh.

Selections:
Eurostyle / Hidden Talent / Mavis Jones / Princess Sadie / Dash Dosh

 

Race 8 – Garrards NZ Sires’ Stakes 3YO Colts & Geldings Final (Group 1)

$200,000 – 1980m Mobile Pace

The headline event of the night brings together the best three-year-old colts and geldings in the country in what shapes as a high-pressure tactical affair.

Several runners possess gate speed and the tempo should be genuine from the outset.

Jumal (3)

Could not have been more impressive last week and now lands the ideal draw to dictate terms again. Clearly the horse to beat.

Sonofamistery (5)

Much sharper effort into third last week and another forward showing looks likely from a similar draw.

Flying Ace (1)

Gets every possible favour from the ace and should secure the perfect economical run throughout.

Forever Miki (8)

Tough and ultra-consistent campaigner who lost no admirers with his brave effort last week. Cannot be overlooked despite the draw.

Special Occasion (9)

Never fully clear last time and could easily improve sharply with the right gaps appearing.

Selections:
Jumal / Sonofamistery / Flying Ace / Forever Miki / Special Occasion

 

Race 9 – Hydroflow NZ Country Championship Final (Listed)

$100,000 – 3200m Handicap Pace

The staying feature of the night shapes as a fascinating handicap contest with several in-form runners spread across the tapes.

Dreams Are Free (8)

Back racing in excellent form and his recent southern efforts suggest he is right up to taking this out despite the handicap.

It’s Tough (13)

Caught the eye chasing hard behind Marketplace recently and the 30m handicap does not look enough to stop him featuring heavily.

The Big Lebowski (10)

Has not had all favours lately but possesses the ability to bounce back sharply in the right race.

Iron Brigade (4)

Progressive type who keeps stepping up and now tackles the stronger grade full of confidence.

Bruntwood Brigade (7)

Eight wins already this season tells the story. Tough, honest and sure to give another bold sight.

Selections:
Dreams Are Free / It’s Tough / The Big Lebowski / Iron Brigade / Bruntwood Brigade

 

by Harness Analyst