Merlin trying for the lead in NZ Free For All

There is no hiding from the reason for Merlin’s (Art Major) defeat in the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup and he won’t be hiding in tonight’s Allied Security New Zealand Free-For-All at Addington either.

The form New Zealand pacer of the year only battled into fourth in the Cup won by Swayzee on Tuesday and while there is no shame in being beaten by the winner the fact Merlin was run down for third by Republican Party made his harness racing performance clearly below par for co-trainer Scott Phelan.

“He just didn’t finish the 3200m off as well as he would a shorter trip,” says Phelan.

“That is not to say he won’t win a 3200m race in the future and maybe an Auckland Cup may suit him better than a New Zealand Cup.

“But he wasn’t as good over 3200m and maybe he never will be. That’s just being honest.”

Phelan and training partner Barry Purdon can turn the page quickly as Merlin is back to the more suitable 1980m mobile of the NZ Pacing Free-For-All at today’s reinvigorated Show Day twilight meeting.

With two scratchings inside him he will start from barrier 5 and Phelan says he wants to see Merlin in front and feeling good to get his mojo back.

“He came through the Cup well and we know he has gate speed so I’d like to see him lead, which might make Republican Party the danger if he sits on our back.”

Crucial players in those that early burn could be the Australian pair Catch A Wave and perhaps to a lesser degree The Falcon, now trained by Jason Grimson.

Phelan and Purdon have had a sometimes frustrating southern campaign, including Duchess Megxit getting run down late in her Group 1 on Tuesday after copping pressure.

“Six months ago we were winning everything and now we aren’t but that is racing and we have some really good chances on Friday,” says Phelan.

They include Jeremiah in the new $500,000 pacing slot race Hill Lee and Scott The Velocity, in which the stable also have Better Knuckle Up.

“Jeremiah has some gate speed so he could go forward and even lead so he will be hard to beat.

“Better Knuckle Up could need some luck from two on the second line but if Chase A Dream gets a good run through and has any luck I think we all might struggle to beat him.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Guerin, for Harness Racing New Zealand