By Matt Markham
Cup Week is all about the hype, but usually it centres around the action at Addington.
The annual Ashburton Trotting Club meeting during the middle of the week is usually a low key affair – a relaxing quiet day of harness racing action with the odd handy type running around, but today there’s a horse on a debut who is creating a bit of an impression already.
His name is Raukapuka Ruler and he’s the first foal from former good pacing mare Miss Elsie.
Trained by Cran Dalgety the three-year-old colt by Bettor’s Delight has been impressive in recent workouts and trials, including a stunning victory at last week’s Cup Trials where he comfortably had the measure of nice types like Augusta and King Solomon.
“He’s got all the makings of a pretty nice horse,” Dalgety said.
“Everything we have asked of him he’s handled pretty comfortably, it’s hard not to be a little bit excited about him.”
The initial plan was target Tuesday’s Cup Day CO race but a plethora of nominations from horses who were classified as being first preference horses meant he didn’t make the field.
So today is the day and the bookmakers haven’t missed the nomination, opening Raukapuka Ruler at the miniscule odds of $1.24 – probably a fair price considering the trial form.
Drawn barrier four, driver Dexter Dunn will have plenty of options early in what is not a strong maiden field – but many will expect him to take bad luck out of the equation and go forward from behind the mobile gate.
Dalgety and Dunn could be in line for a good day at the office with some strong chances throughout the card.
Maiden trotter Chevron Express will be out to improve on the first up fourth effort at Kaikoura while there is a strong quinella opportunity later on in the day with Hit It Rich and Fatima Siad who look set to lead and trail.
Millwood Daisy also returns after missing away at Rangiora last week.
She returns to a mobile today which will give her a strong chance at turning the form around.
Super Selector – By Matt Markham
Race 1: Lavros Jack, Chevron Express, Needle, Rebel Kibbybones
Race 2: Locked Out Of Heaven, Jakira, Regal Major, Santanna Girl
Race 3: Nearis Green, Playingintheshadows, Magical Mitch, Supreme Harmony
Race 4: Raukapuka Ruler, Mikey Maguire, Beach Skipper, Carter Michael
Race 5: Sparkling Delight, Danny Del Vito, Nui Toc Tien, Absolutely Delighted
Race 6: Likely Jereme, Maw Of A Woman, Honour The Bet, Handsome Hero
Race 7: Hit It Rich, Fatima Siad, Fire One, Reaza Grunter
Race 8: Millwood Daisy, Beaudiene Delightful, One Big Fella, Illegal Immigrant
Race 9: Crackabella, Jonty James, Ask Me Art, Joemaro
Race 10: I’ve Got This, Mon Richie, Dragon Sun, Solar Storm
Race 11: Joey Maguire, Algrancobowjoel, Boomer Bailey, Run To Hide
Best Bet: Raukapuka Ruler (Race 4)
Value: Joey Maguire (Race 11)
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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