By Michael Guerin The new superpower of one of New Zealand’s elite stables could help them end the season as our leading money makers at Alexandra Park today. While there are two Group 1s tonight, the $250,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup (7.35pm) and $100,000 Peter Breckon Memorial National Trot (6.25pm), most of the national harness racing premierships are already decided. Team Telfer had the trainers premiership won six months ago and put an exclamation mark on that when they broke the national record with win 169 for the season at…
Day: 31 December 2025
It’s on again – Republican Party vs Merlin in tonight’s Auckland Cup
By Michael Guerin When one of our greatest ever horse trainers says has no doubts Merlin can handle the 3200m of tonight’s $250,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup you have to listen. But as confident as Barry Purdon is in the most favoured of his three reps in tonight’s Group 1 at Alexandra Park, he also admits the enormity of the challenge they face in beating favourite Republican Party. Barry Purdon has trained eight Auckland Cup winners, his first an incredible 47 years ago with Sole Command. He and training partner…