Harness Analyst Cup Day Special – Addington 11th November

Welcome to the Cup Day special from our harness racing analyst with selections and comments for all races.

Harness racing hits Addington again on Tuesday Nov 11 for the biggest meeting of the year. There is over $2 million dollars in stakes and the pools for all races will be massive. The TAB is guaranteeing $10,000 First fours on all races and a $50,000 Quaddie on Races 10-13 inclusive.

13 Races starting at 12:00pm

Race 1    12:00pm SAUNDERS ROBINSON BROWN TROT
$30,000, 3YO & OLDER R40 TO R45, 2600m For R40 to R45 3yo-&-older trotters.

1    562148 Mode  Scratched
2    9X2744 Krackaling Would need all favours to win this. Outside place hope at best in this field
3    423673 Koko Kaboom Racing ok and can finish quickly. One for longer odds with the right trip
4    6X3813 Royal Rock In good form and a rough place hope if things go his way. First four chance
5    905431 Royal Diedre Top driver booking adds weight to her chances. Upset claims with luck
6    660X11 Hoof It Hagrid Domiciled at the beach and in winning form. One of the stronger chances
7    2500X3 Majesdix Normally a quick beginner and will get a soft trip. Worth including in exotic bets
8    5262     Bevron  Scratched
9    5X3115 Miss Melanie Times suggest she might struggle in this. Outside place hope at best in this
10   049X11 Massive Merc Up from the south and southerners do well on Cup Day. Good chance here
11   975623 Holly Highlander Good beginner who might press forward early. Can run a nice race 
12   904208 What The Bell Manners not that good but he is speedy. Prepared to risk in the big field 
13   248409 Tu Tangata Form not great but at his best would be a big threat to these. Master trainer. Needed
14   521440 Ruthless Emma Puts in the odd good run and notable driver change but looks held here
15   4P2180 Sheila Laxon Gets in off the ballot and has been iffy at the start. Prepared to risk in this
16   81711   Penelope Lane  Scratched
17   596214 Rachmaninov One paced but will be grinding away at the finish. Needs the pace on to figure
18   X34802 Judy J Can begin quickly and might land in the front half of the field. Place chance with luck

Horse Movements: Hoof It Hagrid to Robert & Jenna Dunn at Woodend Beach

Race 2   12:27pm HYDROFLOW MOBILE PACE
$30,000, 3YO & OLDER R40 TO R45, 1980m For R40 to R45 3yo-&-older pacers.

1    4632X1 Scotlynn Crunch Could be in the ideal spot behind the leader. Place hope with any gaps
2    776041 Burnham Girl Likely early leader in this and top win last start. Good chance again here
3    X50059 Hi Hopes Out of form and has been only battling. Top driver booked but will struggle in this
4    2050X4 Franco Tim Fast beginner who might be outclassed late. Tough field here and luck needed
5    463221 Flying Bird Another who can leave the gate quickly. Winning claims if she finds the front
6    137X61 Rushkinoff Will get a tougher trip here than his win at Kaikoura. Meets a deeper lineup 
7    X42632 Spirit Downunder Has been racing well in stronger fields. Good chance if he pushes forward early
8    132111 Patiro Going for four in a row but wide draw and tougher field. Place chances looks best
9    X23525 Commander Joe Wide draw makes it tough to get into the race. Will need all favours here
—————— Second Line ——————
10   X32148 Betterthanbabe Drawn for a cozy run on the pegs. Chance if closer than three deep the fence
11   11653   Lavra Rose Fought on well last start but some here look better. First four chance in this
12   325401 Donttelltheboys One of the faster horses in the field and is a rough chance with a soft trip
13   125171 Scrunch Tricky draw but stable in form and nice win last start. Hard to beat with a cart up

Notifiable Gear Changes: Commander Joe: P-Off, Franco Tim: SL-On, Hi Hopes: SL-On, Patiro: BL-On, Spirit Downunder: SL-On

Race 3 12:54pm MITRE 10 WORLD DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP HEAT 20 (MOBILE TROT)
$30,000, 4YO & OLDER, WITH COND. INV.DRV, 2600m

1    904995 Steelintheheel  Recent run for fifth suggests improvement to come, but will struggle here. Risking
2    X76200 Solemn Son Mobile stats abysmal and out of form. Will win more races but later in the year.
3    230426 Clovelly Hill  Not convinced this race sets up to suit. Might be tested late in the finish
4    837104 Alotoftrouble Not disgraced of late but others make stronger appeal on paper. Risking
5    1           He Aint Fakin Top win last start with plenty left in the tank. Looks hard to beat again here
6    686710 Yosemite  Top driver booked and mobile a big assist. Rough place hope here at her best
7    9X8451 Look To Da Stars  Scratched
8    51556X Kracka Looka Freshened but doesn’t need to be 100% to feature. Talent alone puts her in the mix
9    X22115 Donna’s Boy  Draw ugly but can maker his own luck. Will stick on with genuine tempo
—————— Second Line ——————
10   68X222 One Over Da Line Tricky draw and not quite a standout but keeps finishing around them. Include
11   689030 Peaknmonkey Mobile helps but not at his best and keeping safe rather than pushing here

Horse Movements: Look To Da Stars to Ross Houghton at Swannanoa

Race 4 1:22pm ALSCO UNIFORMS MOBILE PACE
$30,000, 3YO & OLDER R46 TO R50, 1980m
For R46 to R50 3yo-&-older pacers

1    833213 Quicker Than Quick Form is good but meets a deeper lineup here. Needs a war up front. 
2    3X4749 Captain Kobe Has not had a lot of luck and drawn well for this. Has place claims at big odds
3    479332 Kotare Kelso Gate speed to land a soft run but others look stronger on recent exposed form
4    144160 Heaven’s Mark  Faces a rise in class and will need to lift to be competitive. Outside place chance
5    X01867 Just Ask Paddy Lacks the early zip to take advantage of this draw. May find a few sharper here
6    442033 Miki’s Courage Stuck on ok last start and will be put in the race here. Place chances looks best
7    3X5034 Taketheplunge Will head forward early and might control the speed here. Good chance
8    1226X1 Secret Agent Man Class advantage here. Draw hurts but it might not matter. Top selection
9    66X341 Shard De Arch Scratched
—————— Second Line ——————
10   564403 The Coalman Drawn for a soft run on the pegs and will run on if the pace is true. Place hope
11   X31105 Zoom X Has a win coming at the right level. Might not be this race as strong field here
12   X19218 Tact Teva Big on ability and stable running hot. Has to be included in all combinations
13   435241 Always Be Batman Has speed but will need a very clever drive to get into this from the draw

Notifiable Gear Changes: Tact Teva: CC-Off, Zoom X: SL-Off, BL-On
Horse Movements: Just Ask Paddy to Steven McRae at West Melton, Secret Agent Man to Regan Todd at Yaldhurst, Always Be Batman to Robert & Jenna Dunn at Woodend Beach

Race 5  1:47pm  AOTEA ELECTRIC HANDICAP TROT
$30,000, 3YO & OLDER R46 TO R60 SPECIAL, 3200m

1    213006 Mixed Faith Good beginner but not sure the distance will suit her here. Prefer over shorter
2    393301 Cody Banner One who could be flying late if the pace is a cracker. Worth a nibble at big odds
3    631200 Lil Whip Win or bust early with this one. Rough place if she steps and handles the extra distance
4    3X2215 Ready Set Jet Will land a handy spot and is a realistic winning chance if thing go his way in this
5    89X048 Premium Player Scratched
6    246377 Paige Will do her best, just needs a softer assignment to be more confident for her chances
7    X00289 Muscle Sass At her best would be a chance. Look for her flying home late over the extreme trip
8    69499P Mad Jack  A horse who always tries but may find a few sharper here based on recent form. Risking
9    22X017 The Present Maker Always a chance of a miscue but has the raw ability to dominate at his best
10   696851 Brett’s Mate One paced and distance should suit his chances here. Will be grinding away late
11   6X0341 Mavis Jones Racing well and could upset with a good run on transit. Will need all favours
12   842103 Our Pinocchio Will go forward but may lack the sharpness of the key chances in this. Risking
13   485X00 Nellie Doyle Scratched
14   974614 Cormoran Strike Recent efforts stronger than they appear on paper. Could be a bolters chance
15   48X090 Roydon Muscle Could be posted a long way back. Needs too much to go right to recommend
16   X09100 Practical Magic Map looks poor for her racing style. Could be a long run home from the draw
17   220411 Princess Sadie In form but not sure the distance suits her style. Top three chance with a soft trip
18   919161 Dreams Pat Has the speed to be a major player here and beginning much better. Distance suits

Notifiable Gear Changes: Mavis Jones: BL-Off, Muscle Sass: BL-On

Race 6  2:12pm TAB JUNIOR FREE-FOR-ALL (MOBILE PACE) (Gr2)
$60,000, 3YO & OLDER FFA, 2600m For all 3yo-&-older pacers.

1    X58277 Wag Star Ideal draw here. Perfectly suited if allowed to roll in front. Can pinch this
2    257016 Franco Sinatra Loves the track and best draw for some time. Could surprise in this
3    408X19 Built For Glory Honest enough but meets a deeper lineup here. Place claims look best
4    54X637 Smoke On The Water Not sure where he maps here. This grade has tested him before
5    836193 Lakelsa  Only chance is to lead and trail but will need to lift to be competitive in this field.
6    700X00 Double Time Capable on his day, but this looks a shade tougher than ideal. Risking here
7    442480 Renegade Has been ok against the best but tricky draw here. Gets his chance with a soft trip
8    673346 Macandrew Aviator Awkward draw and racing pattern does not align well for this. Risking
9    1X5125 Hadron Collider  Likely to be off speed and chasing from the back. Tough ask in this grade
—————— Second Line ——————
10   452569 The Surfer Will get a soft trip on the pegs behind the possible leader. Can upset from there
11   1279X9 Chase A Dream Powerful stable and a his best would go close here. Needed in all combinations

Notifiable Gear Changes: Built For Glory: BL-Off, SL-On, Chase A Dream: BL-On, Franco Sinatra: BL-On, Wag Star: BL-On
Horse Movements: Wag Star to Regan Todd at Yaldhurst, Macandrew Aviator to Robert & Jenna Dunn at Woodend Beach, The Surfer to Mark Jones at Burnham, Chase A Dream to Ross Houghton at Swannanoa

Race 7 2:47pm GARRARDS HORSE & HOUND HANDICAP TROT
$30,000, 3YO & OLDER R56 & FASTER DISCRETIONARY, 2600m

1    2X5224 Walkinonsunshine  Not a bad fourth in a stronger field last start. Drawn well. Top three chance
2    393301 Cody Banner Scratched
3    746533 Rush  Good beginner in form and will get a soft trip. Outside place hope with all favours
4    1539X7 A Hill Two Menny Better than the form suggests. Possible place hope at longer odds in this
5    2X3022 Zoltan Boscik Racing well and looks one of the main chances drawn well on the front line Needed
6    646X06 Moses At his best could play a part but still working back to peak fitness. Happy to risk today
7    893097 Domination’s Call Doesn’t get many favours from the draw in this company. Prepared to risk
8    2X9000 Franco Josiah Might push forward but This grade has tested him before. Similar scenario again
9    842739 Gold Bullion Gets a head start on main rivals and can run time with his best effort. Include here
10  X50871 Julie Jaccka Back in top form and likes the track. Has top three claims if she can land a soft trip
11  620700 Paris Prince Racing tough fields and back in grade here. Master driver hops on. Rough chance
12  115812 Bounce N Beyond Racing well and stable respect. Stacks up well against this field. Serious threat
13  243709 Empire City Master trainer of trotters, but out of form and tough field. Expect a better showing
14  X80686 Mystic Max Handicap against him here and down on form in recent runs, Not racing well enough
15  217      Confessional Lacks the ringcraft to tip him out confidently. But a winning chance with manners
16  111X02 Eurostyle Very good on her day but that is negated by the draw. Raw ability to run top three
17  X11400 Love N The Port Scratched

Notifiable Gear Changes: Julie Jaccka: SL-Off, BL-On
Horse Movements: Love N The Port to Regan Todd at Yaldhurst

Race 8  3:22pm WOODLANDS STUD SIRES’ STAKES 2YO C&G FINAL (MOB PACE) (Gr1)
$200,000, 2YO COLTS & GELDINGS MOBILE, 1980m

1    X23071 Utah Blaze Good win last start and latest trial excellent. Trending the right way. Can go close
2    103460 Move It Lou has gate speed but not finishing off his races the way he can. Prepared to risk
3    11X111 Jumal  Unbeaten and draws to dominate from the front. Hard to see him beaten in this field
4    22X412 Fugitive Big on ability and will take on the favourite early. Can stick after doing some work
5    18          Mystery Creek Better draw but will struggle against some of these. Prefer others in this
6    11X255 Allamericanplayer Never far away and could put up a good fight from the top stable. Include
7    13233   Zeus Lightning Draw hurts and will need a lot of luck to win. Top three chances look best
8    1626     Eun Sogno Might have to go back at the start. Hoping for a cart up to be a top four chance
—————— Second Line ——————
9    241X67 Sonofamistery Will get a soft trip three deep on the pegs. Could run into the top four from there
10  23X141 Freeze Frame Getting better with racing and a place hope if the pace is on early. Will be running on
11  5104     Mama’s Wish Ok fourth last start but this is harder. Follows the favourite through early but risking
12  1299     Critical Image Will get back in the field and bordering on impossible from the draw. Risking
13  21X150 Incentivise Terrible draw and backing against from there. Hard to see him in the money

Horse Movements: Move It Lou to Jim Curtin at Templeton, Mama’s Wish to Hayden & Amanda Cullen at Rolleston, Critical Image to Mark Jones at Burnham

Race 9  4:03pm  NEVELE R 3YO FILLIES FINAL (MOBILE PACE) (Gr1)
$200,000, 3YO FILLIES, 1980m

1    443312 Blazing Knuckles Well drawn and a rough place chance with a trailing run. One for odds
2   33X115 Winelight Quick beginner who could be in the right spot at the right time here. Needed
3    127513 Forever Dream Tactically tough and can grind them into the ground on speed. Place hope
4    351040 Queen Tyron Form only fair against this class. Prepared to bet against here. Leaving
5    4X2321 Arafura Draw gives her early options Major threat if she finds the pegs and hard to beat
6    261911 Always B Magic Way up in grade and looks up against it here from the wider draw. Risking
7    728126 Debbie Lincoln Draw might make it too hard to get into the race. Backing against here
8    434198 Sweet Maggie Mae Has a bit of gate speed but wide draw makes it almost impossible here
9    4X2112 Chicago Sky Racing without a lot of luck and will get back early. Might struggle to make ground
—————— Second Line ——————
10   16X316 General Jen Draws well on the fence and a chance if gaps open in the straight. Worth including
11   X11112 Duchess Of Kent In super form and should get a run through early here. Can run top three
12   186497 Caught The Eye Scratched
13   121267 Celestial Sea Follows out a quick beginner and could press on to near the front. One for odds
14   152124 Princess Gracy Is going to need a fair bit of luck from the draw. Prepared to risk in this

Horse Movements: Debbie Lincoln to Ken Barron at West Melton, Chicago Sky to Regan Todd at Yaldhurst, Duchess Of Kent to Bob Butt at Woodend Beach, Princess Gracy to Cran & Chrissie Dalgety at West Melton

Race 10  4:37pm  RENWICK FARMS DOMINION (STAND TROT) (Gr1)
$400,000, FFA, 3200m

1    325954 Maui Good draw but some here are too quick and not sure distance suits. Leaving for now
2    511121 Jilliby Ballerini Aussie Invader who looks very classy. Still on the way up and hard to beat
3    130368 Hidden Talent Run down in a weaker field last start. Hard to see him turning the tables on these
4    164253 Arcee Phoenix Aussie Inter Dom champ who is over the odds. Dangerous if he finds the front
5    X80686 Mystic Max Scratched
6    0X7597 One Over All Good beginner who could lead and then trail. Distance suits and rough place hope
7    X14311 Muscle Mountain Racing well and sure to be there when they turn for home. Top three hope
8    7X3217 Mighty Logan Quick beginner who ran second in this last year. Could place again with luck
9    X03733 Mr Love Getting better with racing and distance suits. Manners needed early but top four hope
10  311455 Oscar Bonavena Slightly down on his best. Has won this race before and will be running on
11  X11400 Love N The Port Gets in off the ballot and some here are better. This grade has tested him before
12  X11681 Father Time Big win last start but a step up again here. Will need the perfect trip to figure
13  315510 Parisian Artiste Aussie raider who has performed well over distance in the past. Place hope
14  518200 I Dream Of Jeannie  Scratched
15 X22043 Midnight Dash In form but slightly below the top ones in ability. Rough first four chance at best
16  620700 Paris Prince Scratched
17  234131 Gus A bit unknown against this class of horse. Will be running on but could get back early
18  111282 Bet N Win Horror draw but will handle the distance. Place hope with a cart into the race

Notifiable Gear Changes: Bet N Win: RD-Off, FD-On
Horse Movements: Jilliby Ballerini to Steve & Amanda Telfer at Weedons, Hidden Talent to Regan Todd at Yaldhurst, Arcee Phoenix to Steve & Amanda Telfer at Weedons, Oscar Bonavena to Ross Houghton at Swannanoa, Love N The Port to Regan Todd at Yaldhurst, Parisian Artiste to Steve & Amanda Telfer at Weedons, Gus to Cran & Chrissie Dalgety at West Melton

Race 11 5:16pm  AVON CITY FORD MOBILE PACE
$30,000, R58 TO R70, 1980m

1    90X532 Double Jeopardy Good draw and a place hope if he trails the two favourites in this. Include
2    965729 Bryce’s Meddle Looks outclassed by some of these and draw his only bright spot. Risking
3    715874 Amass Has early speed but some here are faster. Top four chance with a soft trip in this
4    7X8111 Rock Or Bust In great form but a big step up. May lack the sharpness of the key chances in this
5    111211 It’s Tough The likely leader in the race and form tells it all. Hard to run down here. Needed
6    496384 Magician Out of form and faces a rise in class. Will need to lift to be competitive in this field
7    X85008 Dance Till Dawn Honest enough but meets a deeper lineup. Likely to be off speed and chasing
8    7191X8 Sideshow Bruce Will go forward early and has the motor to match it with these. Big chance
9    58X638 Wish Me Luck Wide draw and will get back early. Hard to get into the race if they go hard
—————— Second Line ——————
10   3X9575 Bazooka Lobs an ideal spot on the fence and is a chance for a top four finish. One for odds
11   0X4968 Here’s Herbie Drops back from racing tougher fields but looks tested from the draw. Risking
12   233485 Tabasco Going to get back early and difficult to make ground on the leaders here. Leaving
13   715417 Miki Bennett Better than the form suggests. Tricky draw to negate but not out of it here.

Notifiable Gear Changes: Bazooka: RD-Off, Double Jeopardy: SL-On, Wish Me Luck: BL-On

Race 12  5:53pm IRT NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP (STAND PACE) (Gr1)
$1,000,000, FFA, 3200m

1    5X7100 Rakero Rocket Speedy when right and might get a soft pegs run. Will be running on
2    836193 Lakelsa Scratched
3    4X3251 Merlin Going well and best draw for some time. Will give some cheek if he can lead early
4    12P204 Pinseeker A good stayer who will need all favours to win but not out of it for a place
5    1X5111 Republican Party In sublime form and quick beginner. Might be the race leader here. Needed
6    111231 Leap To Fame Champion who will go close if anywhere near his best. Can out tough them
7    21X549 Vessem Looks well held in this and not sure the distance suits. Prepared to bet against
8    X11104 Sooner The Bettor Suited more over a sprint journey. Some here are better. Risking in this
9    X58277 Wag Star Scratched
10   151632 Akuta Can begin quickly and stable have a good record in this race. Upset claims with luck
11   0X4968 Here’s Herbie Scratched
12   217111 Kingman Aussie visitor who could be the smokey in the race. Look out if he steps quickly
13   3X2168 We Walk By Faith Has a mean sprint over the final stages and will suit a hot pace. Has claims
14   383405 American Me Looks outclassed in this with a quick beginning his best attribute. Leaving
15   X11332 Alta Meteor In form but tricky draw makes it difficult. Needs too much to go right in this
16   610703 Mo’unga Slips under the radar a bit and at his best would be a place chance. Luck needed
17   5X6425 Don’t Stop Dreaming Terrible draw and will require a fair amount of luck to threaten
18   X32532 Better Knuckle Up Has the ability but will need a cracking pace and a cart up to figure

Notifiable Gear Changes: Pinseeker: FD-Off, RD-On, Wag Star: BL-On, We Walk By Faith: SL-On
Horse Movements: Merlin to Hayden & Amanda Cullen at Rolleston, Leap To Fame to Steve & Amanda Telfer at Weedons, Sooner The Bettor to Hayden & Amanda Cullen at Rolleston, Wag Star to Regan Todd at Yaldhurst, Akuta to Ross Houghton at Swannanoa, Kingman to Regan Todd at Yaldhurst, Better Knuckle Up to Hayden & Amanda Cullen at Rolleston

New Zealand Cup Facts

First run in 1904

Distance: 3200 metres

Winning stake: The winner receives $540,000, second $150,000, third $85,000, fourth $47,500, fifth $27,500, while all other starters receive $15,000.

Three horses have won the Cup three times: Terror To Love (2011-12-13), False Step (1958-59-60), Indianapolis (1934-35-36).

Race record: Lazarus 2016 – 3 minutes 53.1 seconds

Most wins as driver: Ricky May 7, Mark Purdon and Cecil Devine 6

May drives American Me in this year’s Cup, while Purdon pilots Akuta.

Previous Australian winners of the NZ Cup: Steel Jaw (1983), Lightning Blue (1987), Arden Rooney (2015), and Swayzee (2023, 2024).

Kerryn Manning became the first female to drive the Cup winner when Arden Rooney triumphed.

Race 13  6:33pm  GOLD BAND TAXIS MOBILE PACE
$30,000, 3YO & OLDER R51 TO R57, R58 WITH COND., 1980m

1    186497 Caught The Eye Has speed but out of form going into this. Rough place hope at best
2    8X6677 Bettor Be Sharp Quick beginner who is a place hope with his best run. One for odds
3    122606 I’m Rockin Out of form but dangerous if he heads forward and then trails. Rough chance
4    0826X6 Teds Legacy Looks outclassed in this and prepared to back against in this. Leaving
5    121391 Berrettini Keeps stepping up and could surprise if everything goes his way. Top three chance
6    411212 J T Boe Leading stable respect here and will start favourite in this. Winning claims
7    821783 Follow Your Dream Ok last start after a tough trip. Harder here and draw hurts. Risking
8    317035 Esmeralda Is going to have to do a power of work early or go back and some here are better.
9    276X00 Radha Tricky draw but has speed. At his best could place but will need luck in this
—————— Second Line ——————
10   936240 Cardi B Might get a soft trip on the pegs but will need a can opener from there. Risking
11   246555 Got You Covered Down on best form and only an outside first four chance at best
12   110831 Christies Art Good win last start and stable respect. Place hope with a run to suit
13   3X4067 Amaretto Franco Conditions suit for this. Will need a lot of luck but has finishing speed
14   84097 Tempo Warrior Draw hurts and hard to see him getting into the race form there. Risking

Notifiable Gear Changes: Caught The Eye: BL-On, Got You Covered: SL-On, Radha: P-Off, Teds Legacy: BL-On

For complete race entries, click here.

by Harness Analyst