NZ Cup hopefuls line up at Methven

Sunday (Oct. 9) sees the 95th running of the time honoured Methven Cup.

Sponsored by Alabar the $30,000 Group Three harness racing feature has drawn close to a capacity field – full of New Zealand Cup hopefuls.

The race in the last twelve years has been dominated by Mark Purdon and The All Stars stable, having won eight, including five of the last seven (Spankem 2020, Chase Auckland 2019, Cruz Bromac 2018, Smolda 2016 and Messini 2015).

The stable has two runners in this year’s Cup – Spankem (Bettor’s Delight) and Self Assured (Bettor’s Delight)

Purdon said he was happy enough with both horses last week in the Canterbury Classic.

“Sitting parked was not ideal for Self Assured. He’s better with cover. Spankem got a beautiful trip and made the most of that with a second. I thought South Coast Arden’s run was eye catching of the runners behind the first three (in the Canterbury Classic). Alta Wiseguy is a little professional and does everything right so you’ve got to like him, Cranbourne just needs to get his act together from the stand and Kango is such a good stayer so the grass may suit him. South Coast Arden would be the one I’d be most frightened of. Both my horses are in a really good place so I’m not leaning either way,” he said.

Alta Wiseguy (Mach Three) lines up from the twenty metre mark and his grass track record and manners will give punters plenty of confidence. He’s trained by Steve and Amanda Telfer.

“The Club will be happy with the field they’ve got. He’s done nothing wrong this preparation. His manners normally put him into races early. Hopefully with a good beginning he’ll get a bit of separation from the ones at the back. He’s handled the grass well and won at Methven before. He’s training well and in a good space,” Steve said.

Grass track specialist Corravalley Star (Washington VC) has recently transferred to Regan Todd’s stable.

“He’s a good wee bread and butter horse who can put himself into a race early. It’s going to be a huge ask against those really top horses. It’s going to depend a lot on the weather. Some of the others may scratch but the more snow we have the better. He’ll love it. He’s a place chance,” Todd said.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink