Mystery Creek plunges in market ahead of debut

The in-form training combo of Hayden and Amanda Cullen look set for more harness racing success at Addington tonight.

They will line up three starters in the night’s 2YO race, the Lather Up Dual World Champion Mobile Pace (8.22pm)

One of them Mystery Creek has come in for some serious support.

On the back of two encouraging trials, the son of Bettor’s Delight has gone from his opening price of $3.20 to $1.95.

“They’ve really come for him haven’t they?” says co-trainer Hayden Cullen.

“I really like the horse …. both his trials have been good and he’s trained on well, it seems the penny has started to drop with him.”

The country’s top driver Blair Orange will drive him tonight after guiding him at both trials (behind King Neptune and Kotare Rimu) at Rangiora on August 26 and September 10.

“Blair says the horse gave him a nice feel so we are pretty happy with him.”

Mystery Creek has drawn well at two in what is now a field of seven 2YOs over 1980 metres.

“He has gate speed – he will certainly hold his own from there,” says Cullen.

The two other Cullen starters are Crunched and Flying Ace.

To be driven again by Jonny Cox, Crunched opened favourite for tonight after his fourth on debut while Flying Ace will be driven in his first race by Olivia Thornley. He won his latest trial at Rangiora on September 25. They are now at $2.25 and $12 respectively.

“It looks good on paper,” Cullen says of his chances, “though it is not always that easy is it?”

The Cullen team have been on a roll of late – among their recent winners have been the likes of We Walk By Faith, Hadron Collider, Five Crowns and Winelight.

Addington’s nine race programme gets underway at 4.30pm.

For complete race entries, click here.

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk