Same but different in the Hawera Cup today

At face value Sunday’s Alabar Hawera Cup has a feel of deja vu about it.

All but one of the 12-strong harness racing field are backing up from Friday’s Stratford Cup where the Matt Purvis trained Smoke On The Water (Art Major) was a dominant winner.

However, Sunday’s feature may pan out differently with runners such as Idolou and New York Minute getting another chance after both galloped out of contention on day one, while Smoke On The Water will start off a 20m handicap.

Whooshka, trained by David Marshall, also joins the field and is the sole starter off the front line.

Brent Mangos drives the Mike Berger trained Cos I Can who finished third in Friday’s Stratford Cup with a late sprint home from well back in the field.

“He went a good race on Friday and should go good again, although it’s always tough off that 30 metre mark,” says Mangos.

“There’s only one off the front line which does help a bit though.”

Mangos, who drove a double on Friday, also drives the Stephen Doody trained Mr Monty in Race 1, who finished second behind runaway leader Lightning McQueen on Friday.

“He went well enough on Friday and being a similar field today I think he should finish in the top 4.”

Perun, who Mangos trains and drives, looks a chance to break maiden ranks in Race 4, the Rough Habits Restaurant & Bar Mobile Pace. The gelding was runner up to Onetangi Girl on Friday after placing third in his three prior appearances.

“I was really happy with his run on Friday,” says Mangos.

“He went a good race to stick on for second after leading in that strong head wind and I think he’s a winning chance even off his second row draw.”

Mango’s other drives are Sharkntatties (R3), Sweet Olivia (R5), Bettor Grunter (R8), Maleficence (R9) and Baileys Pitch (R10).

Race 6 is Heat 3 of the Revell Douglas Memorial Series with Monika Ranger looking to complete a hat-trick of the North Island Heats with Sean McCaffrey trained Norvic Charlie. The gelding was an impressive winner on Friday when missing the start by some 10 lengths to score by just over a length.

The first of ten races starts at 12:00pm with the Alabar Hawera Cup Handicap Pace at 2:30pm.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Brigette Solomon, for Harness Racing New Zealand