Standing-start trial to decide Aussie raider Cup plans

A standing-start harness racing trial between races today at Menangle today (Oct. 11) will decide Majestic Cruiser’s (Art Major) IRT New Zealand Cup plans.

Trainer Jason Grimson said his stable star is raring to go, but the unknown is his standing-start manners.

“If he steps well today, it’s most likely he’ll go across,” Grimson said.

“He’s really well and ready to race. It’s just a matter of knowing he will handle the stand.”

Grimson was originally concerned by travel challenges, but regular chats with IRT have eased his angst.

“It sounds like flights from here (Sydney) to Auckland won’t be an issue,” he said. “I’m not worried if he only gets there three days before the race or something like that.

“He only got to Auckland four days before The Race and ran well there. He’s an experienced traveller now and nothing seems to worry him.”

Majestic Cruiser has been a revelation this year with Group 1 wins in the Messenger at Alexandra Park in April and Group 1 Blacks A Fake at Albion Park in July.

The stayer hasn’t raced since the Blacks A Fake, but has time for at least one lead-up race before heading to the NZ Cup.

“He’s fit, don’t worry about that. This trial today is more about testing him from the stand, than needing another trial before he races,” Grimson said.

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing New Zealand