Getting a line on the Purdon/Phelan runners for Auckland

Harness racing trainer Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan take half a dozen horses to their home track Alexandra Park on Thursday night.

Two year old colt In Excess (Bettor’s Delight) raced against the best two year olds in the north in the first half of the season and returns in Race Two. He’s had two workouts to ready him for his Thursday assignment.

Better Knuckle Up (Bettor’s Delight) is back from a break and is in the same race. He’s had two workout wins – in the most recent he looked to have plenty in hand.

Escape Artist (Art Major) and Benson Dude (Art Major) start in Race Four.

At his last start Escape Artist ran a nice third behind the talented Le Major (Art Major) but gets a wide draw at nine for the 2200 metre mobile. Scott rates Escape Artist as the stables best bet.

Benson Dude has solid form on the page and draws three on the second line.

Montana DJ (Captaintreacherous) and Artisan (Art Major) round out the stable’s night, and Race Six over 2700 metres from the stand is the most even field of the night.

Montana DJ has started once from behind the tapes for a placing and has a nice draw at four to play with.

Artisan has had one race back after a break and ran fifth behind race night rival Lady Of The Light (Bettor’s Delight).

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink