The field for the $1m IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup has had a trans-Tasman shake-up.
Western Australian trainer Greg Bond has officially withdrawn Minstrel and (Gee) Heza Sport from the country’s biggest race at Addington Raceway on Tuesday, November 11.
Minstrel, the winner of 27 races and over $1.6m, was third in his last race at Gloucester Park on September 12, with Gee Heza Sport finishing fifth.
Minstrel was ninth in this week’s rankings and Heza Sport 13th.
Their defections mean there will be a juggling of places in next week’s rankings.
It is particularly good news for the connections of horses like Dalton Shard and American Me, who are currently just outside the top 15 cut off.
The next rankings list will be released on Tuesday night on The Box Seat (Trackside, 8pm).