At this time of the year in most harness racing seasons in New Zealand, the quality of the fields at both the races and trials starts to fall away a bit as winter approaches but anyone at todays harness racing trials at Ashburton would have gone home having witnessed any number of smart performances throughout the programme.

We thought we would highlight the horses that stood out for us in the clear but chilly conditions.

Franco Nattai  –  This injury prone pacer has only raced twice in the last 16 months but reminded everyone today what a talented horse he is. He paced the 2400 metres in 3:00.9, a mile rate of 2:01.2 with very quick closing sectionals of 55.3 and 26.4 and he looked to still have a bit in reserve. If the leg holds up he will win a couple quickly.

I Will Rock You  –  This two year old son of Rock N Roll Heaven was very impressive in the hands of stable reinsman, Dexter Dunn. He trailed the leader to the corner before working clear and holding out a late charge from Ears Burning. He paced the mile in a sharp 1:58.8 but was very impressive over the last 800 metres in 56.1 and 400 metres in a flying 26.1. The half brother to the former smart mare Artishake 1:56.2 ($92,785) and one of last season's better two year olds in Say My Name 1:57.9 ($90,098) looks very promising and won't be long adding to the family record.

Ears Burning  –  Although beaten into second by I Will Rock You, Ears Burning was more impressive than the winner making solid ground late on a 26.1 quarter. A great looking individual, Ears Burning is just the type to win a couple before the end of the season.The son of Grinfromeartoear is a half brother to handy sorts like Burning 1:55.8 ($54,492), Fuoco 1:59.3 ($68,279) and El Fuego 1:57.8 ($42,265) but looks a better horse than his siblings in our opinion.

Anna Kareem  –  Don't let the name fool you as this is a three year old gelding and he looked ready to make up for lost time today. Unraced todate, the son of Art Major from the Ken Barron barn looked an early winner when he came from off the pace to wear down Scotlynn Jack in a slick 3:03.4 for 2400 metres for the maiden pacers. Closing sectionals of 56.8 and 26.6 highlighted his potential. A son of the former smart racemare Anna Livia (9 wins) ($62,831), he looks ready to rumble.

My Cash  –  Very big two year old filly by Mach Three that showed a real turn of foot in the two year old fillies heat. Settled off the pace by driver Blair Orange,My Cash swept to the lead half way up the straight and went to the line an easy winner. The overall time of 2:01.6 for the mile wasn't anything special but the manner in which she finished off the heat over the last 400 metres which was cut out off the front in 26.6 impressed us.

Harnesslink Media