While the feature racing calendar is winding down somewhat June still packs a punch in terms of high class days of racing.

Here we look into the feature harness racing that’s to take place during the month on June

The Harness Jewels are the only show in town come early June with the Cambridge Raceway set to host the big day on the 6^th of the month. A total of nine Group 1 races will be run and won across three age groups and both gaits. The well established Harness Jewels concept continues to attract major support from the harness racing industry and by all reports a sell-out crowd will welcome the best horseflesh in the country again this year.

Who could forget the effort of GTH Aveross to score in the very first Harness Jewels race back at Asburton of 2007, the Faulks and Creighton trained runner providing a major upset paying around $80 on the tote!

While that quote may have shocked the punters the history of the “Jewels” has generally seen the very best prevail with household names Monkey King, Terror To love (5YO Emerald) Adore Me and Lazarus just some of the class acts that have all proven victorious in past editions.

The last running of the Jewels took place at Addington over a longer distance of 1980m (traditionally a mile distance has been used) The slushy track didn’t stop the fine performances either with Sweet On Me and Elle Mac just two of the five-win haul produced by M Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen trained runners. A progressive Sundees Son, now widely regarded as the best trotter in the country, won the 4YO Ruby.

Let’s hope that the contests for the Diamonds, Ruby and Emerald titles this year will be races to look back on fondly on too.

Feature race dates in June are concluded with the running of the Uncut Gems on the 18^th at Alexandra Park.

Three listed level races will take place each for a stake of $40’000. The concept has attracted fresh interest this year with Empire Stallions, BetaVet Entires and NZB Standardbred all being first-time sponsors. Like the Harness Jewels themselves these races have seen their fair share of class animals triumph in the past with U May Cullect, Dark Horse and the now Australian performer Cash N Flow all having Uncut Gem victories in the career highlight reels.

While the dates might be limited they’ll be plenty of interest around the feature race days in June

Ben McMillan