The Insider – Group 1 Preview at Alexandra Park

Alexandra Park steps up on Friday night with a serious run of Group One harness racing through the middle of the card, headlined by elite 3YO trotters and pacers alongside a deep FFA contest and Derby field.

Tactical speed, draws and race tempo will play a major role across these races, with several favourites drawn to control their own destiny if things fall into place early.

Race 5 – NZ Sires’ Stakes 3YO Trotters Championship (Group 1)

$120,000 – 2200m Mobile

A quality 3YO trot where one runner looks to have a clear edge, but there is enough depth underneath to make things interesting if pressure is applied mid-race.

Kyvalley Ray (2)
Dominant last start and looks to have a class edge on this group. Drawn to take control and very hard to beat again.

Our Col (1)
Did plenty of work last time and stuck on well. Gets the perfect trip here and looks the main danger.

Petite Amour (3)
Consistent filly who keeps finding the line. Should get a soft run and is right in the mix again.

Save A Prayer (6)
Mixes manners but has the motor. If he trots cleanly, he can spice up the exotics.

The Four Aces (4)
Rarely far away and continues to measure up. Another for trifectas and First 4s.

Selections:
Kyvalley Ray / Our Col / Petite Amour / Save A Prayer / The Four Aces

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Race 6 – Northern Oaks (Group 1)

$100,000 – 2700m Mobile

A deep fillies’ feature where tempo and positioning will be critical over the longer trip. Plenty of chances, but a few look set to get the right run.

Cath (2)
Sharp fresh win followed by a strong second. Draw gives every chance and looks a leading contender.

Queen Lizzy (5)
Ultra-consistent and maps to land in the right spot again. Hard to leave out of any serious play.

Secret Wish (13)
Unbeaten this campaign and clearly has upside. Draw makes it tougher but class keeps her right in it.

Lulana (15)
Flying at the moment and punishing when she lands close enough. Major player despite the alley.

All Of Me (10)
Keeps hitting the line and drawn to get a soft trip through. Definite top four chance.

Selections:
Cath / Queen Lizzy / Secret Wish / Lulana

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Race 7 – Roy Purdon Memorial (Group 1)

$100,000 – 2200m Mobile

A high-quality FFA where the draw plays perfectly into the hands of the key chances. Expect a genuinely run race with pressure throughout.

Got The Chocolates (1)
Flying this prep and lands the ace. Has options from the draw and looks the one to beat.

The Lazarus Effect (4)
Clinical last start and unbeaten at the track. If he lands handy, he’s right in the finish again.

Swayzee (7)
Tough and consistent against strong company. Wide draw but class keeps him in calculations.

Sooner The Bettor (5)
Didn’t get all favours last time and stats stack up well. Worth another look in a race like this.

Better Knuckle Up (2)
Gets the rare soft draw and can improve sharply. One for multiples players.

Selections:
Got The Chocolates / The Lazarus Effect / Swayzee / Sooner The Bettor

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Race 8 – Northern Derby (Group 1)

$200,000 – 2700m Mobile

The feature of the night and a proper staying test for the 3YO pacers. The draw has fallen perfectly for one, but there is pressure around him.

Jumal (1)
Outstanding this campaign and drawn to dictate. Hard to see him getting beaten from the ace.

Cyclone Rebel (7)
Worked home well last time and can get into the race late. Strong place claims.

Sammy Lincoln (9)
Still a maiden but continues to show ability. Drawn to get the right run and can sneak into the finish.

Allamericanplayer (2)
Pushed the favourite previously and drawn to be right there again. Genuine threat.

Iron Mike Tyson (3)
Big motor and still improving. If manners are better and the race turns into a grind, he’s right in it.

Selections:
Jumal / Cyclone Rebel / Sammy Lincoln / Allamericanplayer

 

by Harness Analyst