Here To Shock gearing up for Supernova

The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and J D Hayes have their eyes on a second win in a Victorian slot race with one of their stable favourites Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking).  But first, Here To Shock heads to the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday which the stable sees as the ideal pipe-opener for the A$1 million The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham on December 13.  Here To Shock led home a one-two finish in the inaugural running of the Supernova last year and Ben Hayes said The Supernova in two weeks’ time was certainly in the stable’s planning this year.  Lindsay Park Racing…

Dealt With to make raceday return

Dealt With stamped himself as one of the most exciting three-year-old prospects last season, earning himself a slot in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), but he was withdrawn at the 11th hour through injury. It was a bitter pill to swallow for his connections, with the son of Ace High looking a strong contender after previously winning his first two starts before placing in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m). Trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood have taken a patient approach with his…

In-form Tellum on target for Wanganui

A dominant last-start victory confirmed travel plans for Tellum to head south for a first crack at a black-type feature. The promising filly will bid to continue her hot run of form in the Listed O’Leary’s Fillies’ Stakes (1340m) on Saturday, with Lynsey Satherley booked for the ride by trainer Debbie Sweeney. Tellum has won her last two on the bounce at the expense of older opposition, but it was her most recent victory romp at Te Aroha that ensured her place in the Wanganui contest. “She’s been super and…

Wellington Cup tilt in the offing for Mayor Of Norwood

Wingatui trainers Brian and Shane Anderton will head to Cromwell on Sunday with a strong hand, led by Mayor Of Norwood who will attempt to seal his berth north to contest January’s Gr.3 NZ Campus Of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup (3200m) at Trentham. The six-win gelding finished fifth first-up over 1400m at his home track earlier this month and his handlers have been pleased with his progression heading into Sunday’s Happy hire Cromwell Cup (2030m). He has been lumbered with top weight of 61kg but will get some weight…

Ranger leading Junior Drivers as series heads to Addington tonight

By Michael Guerin A remarkable stat for one of harness racing’s most surprising careers could get another boost in the national junior driver’s champs at Addington tonight. The series brings together 12 of our best young drivers for six heats, two at Cambridge last night, two at Addington tonight and the final two at Methven on Sunday. The series was for years casually referred to as “the boys’ champs” because until about 20 years ago most of those competing in it were male. That name clearly doesn’t suit any more…

Todd Mitchell with strong hand at Alexandra Park tonight

By Michael Guerin Todd Mitchell is looking forward to getting back on two speedy trotting stablemates at Alexandra Park even though he knows he might just be keeping the seat warm on one of them. The four-time New Zealand Cup- winning driver partners two winning chances from the Wallis/Hackett stable including one of the big movers of the northern trotting spring in Belle Neige (R6, No.10). Belle Neige won three races in a month in August-September and while Mitchell has driven her before he gets on tonight as regular driver…