NZ HARNESS NEWS
Nandolo is among the many winning chances in what promises to be the race of the night at Addington’s premier meeting on Friday.
A capacity field of promising rating 59-80 pacers will clash in the third event on a race card filled with features.
The predictable nature of some of the programme’s group events means race 3 will be one of the most intriguing on the night.
Nandolo comes in to the race with a rare blot on his copybook formline, after running seventh from behind the tapes in Sheriff’s Cheviot Cup win, earlier this month.
The John Howe-trained pacer was not a factor in the finish after getting back in the field on a slick 55.5sec final 800m.
“He probably over raced a wee bit last time which didn’t help, either,” driver Jonny Cox said.
“Getting back probably ruined his chances all together in what was a pretty nice sort of a field.
“On a slick half like that he was probably no chance, really.”
Nandolo faces a totally different task tomorrow night, stepping back from 2600m to 1980m, behind the mobile.
The four-year-old possesses blazing gate speed when he is in the mood and is likely to press forward.
“I would say the plan would be to head forward,” said Cox.
“He is a funny sort of horse; some days he leaves the gate like he is tied to it and other days he is happy to flop out.
“It is just whatever Nandolo turns up on the day.
“He probably races better in front – most of his mobiles he has led up in.”
“It probably leaves him a sitting duck – he has been run down a few times – but he has also gone some great races in front.”
Nandolo is in great company, drawn near the outside of the front line.
He has the highly-talented Smokin By drawn beside him.
The Mitchell Kerr-trained pacer will be looking to bounce back after a bout of colic caused his shock last placing in the Northern Southland Cup.
Queensland Oaks-winning mare, Sociable, is drawn outside him.
The Andrew Stuart-trained four-year-old trialled well at Rangiora last week ahead of her tough task from the outside of the front line.
New Zealand Derby hopefuls Delightful Major and Mr Yips have drawn inside Nandolo in barriers 1 and 5, respectively.
The sometimes wayward, but highly talented, Mr Yips will have his second start on a left handed track in the race.
The Tony Herlihy-trained pacer ran into fourth behind Ultimate Sniper in the Northern Derby after getting shuffled back in the field before the home turn.
Delightful Major will attempt to keep his unbeaten record intact form the ace draw.
The second row of the mobile in race 3 is also packed with talent.
Cast No Shadow and Samskara bring winning form in to the event and they start between Cullenburn and Kotare Cullen, setting up a truly epic mid-grade race.
- NZ Harness News
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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