News

It will be a case of the calm before the storm at Ascot Park on Sunday as the harness racing nation counts down with its final meeting before the New Zealand Cup.

Clevedon trainers Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan are hoping promising trotter Horace Horse will bring his manners to Cambridge Raceway on Friday.

Jonny Cox will continue his countdown to driving Nandolo in the New Zealand Cup when combining with a host of winning chances at Rangiora on Friday.

Southern sensation U May Cullect is one several horses ready to put it all on the line in a last ditch play to qualify for the New Zealand Cup at Kaikoura on Monday.

Tango Tara will have his final hit-out at Kaikoura on Monday ahead of the Gr. 1 IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup (3200m) at Addington Raceway on November 10.

Australian trainer Rickie Alchin is hoping Tough Monarch can replicate last year’s first-up winning heroics in New Zealand, just without the pre-race drama.

Southland trainer Mark Shirley is hoping for some 2011 Rugby World Cup-type heroics from his first ever starter at Kaikoura on Sunday.

Today Sam travels to Methven where she has seven drives, Mike Heenan from Methen Trotting Club asked Sam for her opinion of their chances.

Andre Poutama will be hoping to live every trainer’s dream when he lines-up Ideal Sports Girl in the Gr. 1 Magness Benrow Sires’ Stakes Fillies Championship Mobile Pace (1609m) at Alexandra Park on Friday.