By Jonny Turner The timing looks perfect for Tabasco as he looks to spice up the Central Southland Cup at Winton today. The five-year-old will back up in the 2400m feature after an unlucky fifth in the Wyndham Cup. After making a smart beginning, Tabasco was shuffled back before running on in tight quarters. The effort came in arguably the strongest field the pacer has taken on in Country Cups company and it showed he was right up with his rivals. “It was very pleasing because he did have a…
Category: Meeting Previews
Marketplace, Stella Rouge and Don’t Stop Dreaming star on huge night at Alexandra Park
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Everyone said he was unbeatable and that’s exactly how it turned out for Marketplace in the $200,000 NZB Standardbred Harness Million Final for the 3YO Colts and Geldings at Alexandra Park on Friday night. He’s a superstar in the making and the Regan Todd-trained son of Bettor’s Delight was never really in danger of being upset. Driver Craig Ferguson bided his time early. They were three wide briefly before taking up the lead until John Dunn and Got The Chocolates took the…
Aussies having last hit-out before NZ trip
By Adam Hamilton A big form guide to Cambridge’s Night of Champions is in Australia not New Zealand this weekend. That’s because megastars Leap To Fame, Don Hugo and The Locomotive all step out for their final lead-up races before crossing the ditch. Leap to Fame, a clear favourite for the $1m Race by betcha at Cambridge on Friday, April 4, will start from the outside (gate six) against just five rivals in a 1660m free-for-all at Albion Park on Saturday night (11.25pm). “He needed a run so it…
Harness Million Finals feature on Friday Night Lights
It’s Friday night and the two big money Harness Million races will highlight action at Alexandra Park and Addington tonight. Boom three-year-old Marketplace will start at short odds in the $200,000 NZB Standardbred Harness Million Final for the Colts and Geldings as will Stella Rouge in the $150,000 Fillies’ Final while topliners Republican Party, Don’t Stop Dreaming and Mo’unga are among the top chances in the Group 2 Auckland Co-op Taxis 300-3000 Free For All. Down south at Addington one of the must see races will be Race 8, the…
Arcee Phoenix back for TAB Trot at Cambridge
By Adam Hamilton Classy Victorian trotter Arcee Phoenix will return for another crack at the $650,000 TAB Trot at Cambridge’s Night of Champions on April 4. Excited connections cemented a deal with Duncan McPherson to race in the Aldebaran Park slot, just as they did last year. Arcee Phoenix was one of four Victorians who contested last year’s TAB Trot, finishing fourth behind Just Believe, Callmethebreeze and Queen Elida. Queen Elida will also return, while Im Ready Jet looks likely to give Victoria a third runner this year. Im Ready…
Owner and Breeder for February
Every month HRNZ selects a Breeder and Owner of the Month award. It is chosen randomly with the only proviso being that your horse must have won a race during the month. In February Brian and Marie Borcoskie were picked as “Breeders of the Month” following Tessamae’s win at Rangiora on February 6 and Rodney and Deirdre Stewart were selected as “Owners of the Month” after Hayley Mhor’s win at Alexandra Park on February 28. Breeder of the Month : Brian and Marie Borcoskie For the Borcoskies Tessamae’s win was…
Ambleside Drive gets elusive win at Addington
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk As popular victories go Ambleside Drive’s win at Addington last night was right up there. At start number 62, the Auckland Reactor five-year-old mare finally broke through in Race 2, the Book Now for Owners Night 28th March Mobile Pace. For the Robertson family who bred, train and race the mare, it’s been a long time coming. Her debut was at Motukarara in April 2022. “I was starting to lose the faith,” said Peter Robertson who trains in partnership with son Mitchell. He…
Trials Report – Six Of The Best
These six horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week 20/3/2025 they head back to the racetrack. Terabyte (3g Majestic Son – Broadbank) Tr. A Herlihy Debutant at Auckland this Friday night (Race 3) but has been a multiple workout winner at Pukekohe in recent weeks, the most recent (6/3/25) where he settled fourth of 4 before looping around field to lead last 1500m, didn’t flinch when challenged hard over final 300m by Memories (1), did enough to stay in front. MR:2:15.9, 800m in 61.4, 400m in 29.5.…
Rubira out of Harness Million
By Michael Guerin Last Friday’s Alabar Classic winner Rubira will miss Friday’s $200,000 Harness Million at Alexandra Park. The Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained pacer was involved in a minor track work accident on Wednesday that left him with bruising on his leg. “We are hoping it isn’t too serious and we can get him to a three-year-old race at Cambridge,” says Purdon. Rubira has been dynamic this campaign and his scratching clears the way even more for Marketplace to dominate Friday’s Listed event. Marketplace was already the $1.30 favourite for…
Young in with a “show” in both Friday’s Metro Series Finals
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Pukekohe trainer Jeremy Young rates his chances in the two $35,000 Metro Finals at Alexandra Park on Friday night. He has Eyre I Will in Race 1, the Dunstan Speedfeed Metro Series Final Mobile Trot (5.26pm) and convincing last start winner Mantra in Race 2, the Dunstan Speedfeed Metro Series Final Mobile Pace (5.56pm). He’s the only trainer to have starters in both the 3YO and older R35-45 Finals. “It’s great those races are being put on, it’s great money on offer for…