Mixed fortunes for Aussie visitors after barrier draw

There have been contrasting fortunes for the Australians in today’s harness racing barrier draw for the $1m IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup and the $400,000 Renwick Farms Dominion Trot.

The draws for the two 3200 metre features next Tuesday were conducted this afternoon at a special function at Addington Raceway .

In the Dominion Trot hot favourite Just Believe (Orlando Vici) drew the front line (2) along with Monday’s South Bay Trotters Cup winner Mystic Max (5) and Mighty Logan (9) while rising star Bet N Win drew 16, the outside of the second row, but inside the unruly horses.

In the New Zealand Cup the two top Australians, Leap To Fame (Bettor’s Delight) (11) and defending champion Swayzee (15) both drew awkwardly with the top two Kiwis faring better. Merlin drew 10, the outside of the front row, while Don’t Stop Dreaming drew ideally at 5. Alabar Kaikoura Cup winner Mo’unga also fared well, drawing 4.

There are three emergencies in the Cup meaning if they come out then the likes of Leap To Fame could actually start off the front line .

“It’s one of the quickest front lines in the one of the most talked about Cups in years,” commentator Matt Cross told those at the function.

“And in the Dominion Just Believe is not necessarily at an advantage as Bet N Win will be out of trouble and can take time to find his feet.”

From Harness Racing New Zealand