Everything old is new again.
That’s one way of looking at the Gr.1 $250,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup at Alexandra Park because what worked for over 100 years is suddenly back in vogue.
The North Island feature was first run back in 1890 when Commodore proved successful in the three mile feature, in fact, 6 of the first 7 editions were staged over the 4800m distance before it was settled on the 3200m distance for the Cup.
But since 2007, the Auckland Cup, one of the oldest feature events on the harness racing calendar, made a dramatic switch and veered away from its traditional 3200m stand start format on New Year’s eve and went on a completely different path.
The timeslot was March and suddenly we had a 2700m mobile start event.
Ultimately, the winners of the ‘new’ Auckland Cup were great ones like Flashing Red, Monkey King, Auckland Reactor, Terror To Love, Im Themightyquinn, Sir Lincoln and Gotta Go Cullen.
Those mighty pacers join an honour roll that boasts the likes of Man O’War, Nelson Derby, Indianapolis, Captain Sandy, Caduceus, Cardigan Bay, Robin Dundee, Stella Frost, Young Quinn, Delightful Lady, Gammalite, Armalight, Luxury Liner, Christopher Vance, Master Musician, Chokin, Christian Cullen, Holmes DG and Elsu among many other great names.
And who can forget the most recent edition of the Cup (March) when modern day superstar pacers Christen Me and Adore Me staged an epic battle in front of an adoring crowd.
Christen Me prevailed but the race itself was the biggest winner.
Unfortunately, neither pacer will contest the Cup again this year with Christen Me battling health issues while Adore Me is retired and safely in foal after suffering a fractured sesamoid bone when a beaten a nose by her close relation.
Now, we turn back to the future.
The 2015/16 Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit season enters its 4th leg with the Auckland Cup set to be staged this Thursday in the twilight timeslot, a two mile stand start contest that has drawn together an outstanding field.
It’s the second running of the Auckland Cup in a calendar year.
And the momentum shift in the make-up of the field is quite extraordinary with only two runners from the March edition lining up again.
Classy performers Smolda and Ohoka Punter are back for another shot at the Cup but both have demons to conquer with Smolda needing to produce his best at the clockwise direction while Ohoka Punter needs to produce his best at the two mile distance.
Both have brilliant horsemen behind them in Mark Purdon and Tony Herlihy respectively.
Representing the new generation of stars in the Cup are 4yo performers Have Faith In Me, Hughie Green and Itz Bettor To Win.
The gifted trio all boast outstanding credentials but all need to take it up a gear and prove they can mix it with big boppers, again, all have brilliant horsemen sitting behind them.
The depth in the 5yo ranks is obvious with the likes of Tiger Tara, Te Kawau, No Doctor Needed and Ideal Success all taking their spots and looking legitimate threats while the ‘older’ brigade consists of Mossdale Conner, Franco Nelson, Besotted and Bettor Dream.
While there is no Australian trained representative’s in the Cup, many of the Kiwi stars contesting the feature are expected to cross the Tasman this season to chase further glory.
It’s a fascinating field that should have fans and officials thrilled because so many questions will be answered and with the return to the old format there is no place to hide.
The Trillian Trust Auckland Cup will be run at 7.08pm local time.
Another highlight at this meeting includes the clash of the young fresh faced but richly talented trotters Speeding Spur and Monbet taking on established performer Stent in the Gr.1 $80,000 National Trot which will be staged at 2700m under mobile conditions.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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