Author: NZHarnessNews

Not only did Millwood Nike’s win at Addington last Thursday extend her unbeaten run it also secured her a place in the Group 1 Nevele R 50 Years of Success Fillies Final on IRT New Zealand Cup at Addington on Tuesday, November 14. It was a powerhouse effort from the mighty filly and driver Olivia Thornley in Heat 6 of the series, after sitting parked most of the way. She is now unbeaten in all 15 career starts, and is clearly the one to beat in the Final. With just…

By Brigette Solomon Ayumi Shibuya has her flights booked, and can’t wait for the Harness Million race night at Addington on Friday. That’s because “Aunty” Ayumi, as she’s known, is a co-owner in the very promising Le Major, a top contender for the NZB Standardbred Harness Million No 4 for the 2YO Colts and Geldings. Trained by Arna Donnelly at Cambridge, Le Major has been impressive winning his last three starts, including two heats of the Woodlands Stud 2YO Sires’ Stakes. So it’s fair to say Shibuya has good reason…

By Adam Hamilton The two key Aussie hopes for next month’s New Zealand Cup step-out on Saturday night. Decorated Grand Circuit performer Spirit Of St Louis steps into elite company in the $300,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup at Melton. His rivals include the likes of Leap To Fame, Catch A Wave, Honolua Bay, Rock N Roll Doo, Encipher and Better Eclipse. Co-trainer Luke McCarthy has openly declared the stable’s intent to focus on the New Zealand Cup after this week’s feature. In an interesting move, Swayzee returns to racing for…

In the final episode of this series Greg O’Connor goes one-on-one with Zachary Butcher. 

by Don Rae Behind The Breeds is a new series where breeding enthusiast Don Rae takes a deep dive into the pedigree of some of today’s trotters and pacers. In today’s third edition he casts his eye on the trials in Mid Canterbury. Among a raft of blueblood qualifiers at the Ashburton trials, there were three standouts from a breeding perspective, all from the trotting ranks. Matty Williamson’s filly Majestic Lady was the first to qualify by running second in the 2YO Mobile Trot. By Majestic Son from the Holdonmyheart…

Now that many of the very best horses are coming out to play we are regularly updating what’s happening at the trials right around the country. Here’s the latest installment. Pukekohe Workouts Saturday 7th OctoberWeather Showery Track fast Merlin (3c Art Major – Imaginary Bet) In his final hit out before heading south, the class 3yo trailed stablemate Sooner The Bettor (who trailed the galloping pacemaker), both popped out at the 400m, Merlin widest of all, and the two Purdon/Phelan runners could not be separated at the line, MR:2:02.9, 800m…

By Adam Hamilton Mark Purdon is well placed to win a fourth Victoria Derby final after The Real Sherlock’s upset victory in a heat of the series at Melton last night. In the biggest shock of the night, Australia’s top-rated three-year-old The Lost Storm led and was easily rundown as a $1.12 favourite in the second Derby heat. It was The Real Sherlock, who did plenty early from a wide draw to get back and then took the one-one trail, who finished best to beat Perfect Class in the stronger…

Sarah O’Reilly has put herself in prime position to win her fourth New Zealand Junior Drivers championship title at Methven on Sunday. The country’s top junior driver is leading with 60 points going into the final heat of the championships. She will drive Kennedy in race 6 (2.29pm). On day two at Invercargill O’Reilly took out two of the three heats, with Ellz Angel and With A Bang, to have a six point lead over Zev Meredith. Meredith however drives the well supported Kalasa ($5.50) while Kennedy is an outsider…

By Jonny Turner Franco Indie is ready to step back up to the big leagues, starting with Sunday’s Group 3 Methven Cup. The Mark and Nathan Purdon trained pacer comes into the 3000m staying feature third up following a decent spell. Franco Indie produced a handy second first up before smashing the clock in his next second placing, speeding home in a sensation 25.8sec last 400 and being unlucky in the process. With those two runs under his belt, Nathan Purdon feels the timing is right for Franco Indie to…