Useful book of drives for Hackett today

Young driving star Crystal Hackett has the perfect opportunity to kick off 2026 as she ended last season at Cambridge today.

Hackett blasted past her goal for 2025 with 56 winners last term and snared a Group 1 placing with Belle Neige in the Peter Breckon National Trot at The Park on New Year’s Eve.

“My goal for the year was 50 wins so to get past that was really satisfying and I have to thank everybody who supported me,” says Hackett.

“And of course a huge part of that was Mum and Dad who had their best year too training and that really helped me.

“Heading into this season I want to be consistent in the biggest races and I’m excited about what Belle Neige might be able to do.”

Hackett has a useful book today with several winning chances who could be against the marker pegs right from the start of their races, usually an advantage at a lower grade Cambridge meeting.

Merle Mary should get a good trailing run in Race 3 and Hackett says she can improve on her two career fifths while she really likes the chances of Rushinkoff (R4, No.9) in the junior driver’s race.

“It has gone two good races without much luck since joining Sheryl Wigg up here and he can win, especially if the horse he is following out stays in front.”

Hackett expects to be hugging the marker pegs in Race 5 too with Viscount Mackendon, whose didn’t live quite up to expectations last season.

“We thought time last year he would turn into a really nice horse but he has struggled to get to that level just yet.

“But I think he gets a good chance on Sunday as he might be able to lead and I’d like to stay there if we can so I can see him improving.”

Hackett gets another front line ace drawn with Ragnar Lothbrok in Race 6 in what will be his first start on his home track for a long time.

“He is really consistent and will appreciate being away from Alexandra Park company so I give him a good each way chance.”

Hackett partners a horse she knows well in Kenny Hill for her parents in the late trot and says the big fella has improved lately.

“When he first started racing it was like he had five legs and didn’t know where to put them all but his gait has improved.

“Last start I was able to drive him right out under pressure and he stuck to his task well so can win again soon.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Guerin, for Harness Racing New Zealand