Day: 26 September 2025

By Michael Guerin The two most complete pacers in New Zealand return at Addington tonight with the same problem. Because both Marketplace and Republican Party are so good they are supposed to win but both could easily get beaten without losing their crowns. It is a common story in modern harness racing: wonderful horse gets bad draw or tough handicap in comeback race and connections want him driven conservatively so he starts his campaign with a positive experience. If you think you might have read this story before you have.…

By Michael Guerin Ben Butcher thinks Pantani might be getting to the top of his learning curve just in time for tonight’s Metro Trot Final at Alexandra Park. The Cambridge trotter will start odds on in the $35,000 final after winning the stronger of the two heats run a fortnight ago by 10-and-a-half lengths, suggesting he is close to a good thing tonight.  On that last start, and best form of 2024, Pantani probably should win again but there have been plenty of lows in between, with caretaker trainer and…