Oscar set to become a trotting millionaire

One of New Zealand’s great staying trots could turn into a 200m drag race at Alexandra Park tonight. And even if it does which of the two harness racing favourites wins is hard to predict.

Oscar Bonavena (Majestic Son) and Muscle Mountain (Muscle Hill) continue their long-running rivalry in the $100,000 Peter Breckon Memorial National Trot over the 2700 mobile, finally a Group 1 where the pair can get away from all-conquering Aussie champion Just Believe.

Both are wonderfully talented trotters who have had a rollercoaster 2024, with their ageing bodies meaning while the heart may be willing the legs don’t quite pump as fast.

In the last two months there have been glimpses of their best, particularly from Oscar Bonavena who even beat Just Believe in the NZ Trotting Free-For-All at Addington.

Muscle Mountain was also back in the winner’s circle at Invercargill last start and their gate speed coupled with respect earned makes it seem certain they will be the first two off the gate tonight with Muscle Mountain likely to lead and Oscar Bonevena trail.

In a race with no rivals good enough to pressure them the Group 1 could be decided by whether Oscar can outspring the Mountain up the Alexandra Park passing lane.

“It looks a bit that way,” admits Muscle Mountain’s driver Ben Hope.

“We will be going forward and trying to lead and while Oscar has had the better of us lately I really liked the feel of got from him [Muscle Mountain] last week.

“He flew up to Auckland last week and Dad said he worked well yesterday so he will get his chance.”

If Muscle Mountain gets a relaxed run in front and is in full flight when the pair hit the passing lane it will take some serious sprinting from Oscar Bonavena to get past him.

But serious sprinting is Oscar’s speciality when he is at his best and the punters have already spoken, backing him in $1.65 while Muscle Mountain is out to $2.

Regardless of who wins a milestone looks near certain as Oscar Bonavena needs to only earn $12,442 (a top two finish) to become New Zealand trotting’s latest millionaire.

For complete race entries, click here

by Michael Guerin, for Harness Racing New Zealand