All Stars runners hold the key to first Sires Stakes heat

This week shows once again, that the changes of season for age group harness racing is working a treat.

Following a successful Oamaru Juvenile Stakes on Sunday (Sep. 18), Addington has attracted a capacity field of two year old colts and geldings for the first heat of the Woodlands Stud Sires Stakes. And Mark Purdon and Hayden Cullens’ four runners likely hold the key to Thursday night’s (Sep. 22) feature.

Carrera Rapido (Art Major) draws best of the All Star runners.

“He had the right ability but not the right mental attitude early on. We gave him extra time and he’s come back a more mature horse and a lot more sensible. He’s trialed up nicely. I think from the draw and the way he has trialled that he’ll be right in the finish,” said Purdon who will drive the colt.

OK Boomer (Bettor’s Delight) was one of the All Stars early two year olds and after three runs he was turned out to spell.

“He’s come back a lot stronger. He’s got reasonably good gate speed. I handled him at his first trial, and he went well. And Nat (Rasmussen) drove him in his second and he went nicely. With a couple of the top two year olds not here he’s going to be very competitive.”

Wish Me Luck (Vincent) draws the inside of the second row and follows out the fast beginner Franco Mecca. He will be driven by Tim Williams.

“He’s just had the one trial and went nicely. It’s a nice draw for this part of his preparation but he’s going to need a little bit of luck. If he does get it, he’s not going to be far away.”

The last of the All Stars runners is first starter Sherlock (Vincent). Owned by Jean Feiss this colt is unbeaten at four trials.

“We really like him. We would have normally started him before now, but this race is restricted to maiden two year olds. We’ve held him back and just trialed him. He’s going to have a little bit of traffic in front of him but he’s not one you’d underrate.”

He will be driven by Natalie Rasmussen.

The final for the New Zealand Sires Stakes for two year old colts and geldings will be run at Addington on Tuesday 8th November. It carries a stake of $170,000 and group one status.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink