By Michael Guerin
The most confused New Zealand Trotting Cup market in years might become a little clearer this weekend.
And for all the aspirations and dreams of some, we are likely to discover whether there are only five, or maybe as many as seven, serious winning chances in the $750,000 Addington thriller on November 10.
Past group one form and their performances this season reaffirm Christen Me, Smolda and Tiger Tara in the south and Ohoka Punter and Sky Major in the north deserve their places at the top of the Cup markets.
But two horses with the manners and ability to become part of the Cup conversation get another chance to shine this weekend — Lancewood Lizzie at Alexandra Park tonight and Arden Rooney in Victoria tomorrow.
Lancewood Lizzie gets a 10m start from the favourites in tonight’s Holmes D G, named in honour of her former stablemate, and she won’t need to improve much on her first-up second in the Spring Cup two weeks ago to threaten.
On that occasion she sat in the trail and challenged winner Ohoka Punter hard at the 150m mark before peaking on her run but trainer Barry Purdon was thrilled with that effort.
“And she will be fitter this week, as will Sky Major,” says Purdon, who trains both.
“Her head start over the backmarkers could really help and while it will be a tactical race she can win.
“She is a good mare. I looked at the New Zealand Cup entries this week and she deserves to be there.
“The Cup might not be as strong as last season and not only is she heading there at this stage but I think she could get some money in it too.”
Purdon says Sky Major has tightened nicely since the Spring Cup and can win tonight but he still thinks he might be one run away from his best.
“He can win for sure but I think he will be a better horse at Ashburton in a week and a half,” offers Purdon.
“But a lot will depend on luck in the running. It can be very hard to come from back in these small fields because there often isn’t much pressure.”
Purdon rates Leanne’s Boy (race six) a big improver for tonight, while he is happy with Kimani heading into the Sires’ Stakes heat, where his draw of two gives Zac Butcher options.
After two poor runs to start the season Arden Rooney has drifted in most NZ Cup markets but he did beat one of the fields of the year in the Hunter Cup over the same trip in February.
He faces a tough 30m back mark in the A$35,000 Nyah Cup at Swan Hill tomorrow but the 2790m distance will suit him and if he pleases trainer-driver Kerryn Manning he will cross the Tasman to defend his Kaikoura Cup title before heading to Addington.
The race also doubles as one of the pointers this weekend to the Inter Dominions, the A$1.8million series which is slipping under the radar in New Zealand but is only six weeks away in Perth.
Christen Me remains the favourite for that series but second favourite Lennytheshark resumes at Melton tonight, while Interdom dark horse Flaming Flutter takes on Arden Rooney at Swan Hill.
And series third favourite Philadelphia Man faces a tricky draw in the A$100,000 Gold Coast Cup at Albion Park.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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