A little movement and some key withdrawals punctuate this week's harness racing 'Road to the Cup' update.

Last week's feature race was the Canterbury Classic which was taken out so impressively by Lazarus, with Christen Me and Smolda filling the placings. As a result all three moved up the Rankings, securing automatic entry, per the New Zealand Cup conditions. The three now fill Cup spots three, four and five.

The major fallout from the race was Locharburn. His poor showing, which later revealed he suffered a heart arrhythmia, prompted owner/trainer Kevin Chapman to take no chances and withdraw the multiple Group 1 winner from the Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup.

Another withdrawal from 'the Cup' was Southland's leading pacer Costa Del Magnifico. He hasn't recovered from his setback following the Hannon Memorial and his trainer Brent Shirley is taking no chances either.

Action has kept flowing in the Haras des Trotteurs Dominion build-up however, with Sunny Ruby overpowering her rivals in a keenly contested Canterbury Park Trotting Cup last Friday. Her win gave her automatic qualification so she now sits third in the Rankings.

Kyvalley Blur's comfortable win at Alexandra Park last Friday saw him edge up one spot, while Daryl Boko's improving fourth behind Sunny Ruby earnt him a bump up also. He now sits 13th.

This week sees a variety races for Cup and Dominion contenders. Races of interest are spread across three of the domestic meetings – at Alexandra Park and Addington on Friday, Methven on Sunday.

The next Rankings update will be Tuesday 18 October.

Click below to view the full list of rankings:

NZ Cup & Dominion Rankings Update – October 12

If you have any queries please feel free to contact myself or the Racing Department on 03 964 1200.

Stacey Markham