Higher Power looking to bounce back in Metro Series

After taking on Meant To Be in recent starts, Higher Power (Father Patrick) looks a huge chance of returning to the harness racing winners’ circle when the TAB Metro Series continues at Alexandra Park on Friday night.

The Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan-trained Father Patrick gelding lines up in Heat 4 of the Series (for R50-54 trotters) at 7.53pm.

The two-race winner has had to play second fiddle to the all-conquering Meant To Be this year but with his stablemate out for a well deserved spell Higher Power gets his chance.

At his last start in the Group 1 NZ Sires’ Stakes Trot he broke badly in the score-up and was never in contention. He has however since won at the workouts.

Earlier in the night Metro Series Heat 3 will be held (5.50pm) with a line up that includes Youneverknow , Look To Da Stars and last start winner Very Majestic.

The first three home in both will automatically qualify for the $35,000 Metro Final the following Friday (May 30), with Freya, Tu Tangata and Bravehearthighlander completing the trifecta in Heat 1 at Alexandra Park on May 10.

On the same night Double Parked, Hooray Henry, Carrera Hombre and Billy The Kid filled the first four places in the opening Pacers heat to seal their spots in the $35,000 Pacers Final, also on May 30.

Friday’s Pacers heats will be held at 6.20pm and 9.23pm.

In Heat 2, the Todd Michell-trained King’s Watch resumes after impressing last campaign while Heat 1 winner Double Parked is back in Heat 3, along with the resuming South Side Story who has the advantage of the ace draw.

To see the Auckland fields for Friday night click here 

From Harness Racing New Zealand