The shifting sands of the age-group contenders for the Harness Jewels continued yesterday, as the trotters look to fight their way into contention for finals day at Cambridge on May 31.
Twentyten, ranked second in the 3yr-old trotting division, was a notable withdrawal yesterday, allowing the lower-ranked squaregaiters to shuffle up one place each.
The most crucial shuffle was from K D Muscles, who strong-armed her way into the top 12 courtesy of Twentyten's defection.
Her place is not secure just yet though, as any one of three trotters could push their way in at her expense over the weekend.
Otago hopes will rest with Zhenya, who gets a chance to rectify her last-start gallop when she takes on a c1-2 trot field at Ascot Park on Saturday.
Her trainer, Phil Williamson, will know if she has a hope of making the field by then, as Phil's Folly could take that 12th spot with a win or placing at Cambridge tonight.
Monkey Luck is the other threat, and can squeeze her way in with a win at Addington tomorrow night.
It is the nature of the juvenile trotting scene that four or five talented types hoover up the majority of the stake money so almost any 2yr-old trotter can qualify in the final week if they line up and do well.
Anzac was destined to be the emergency for the 2yr-old ruby division until news last night that Australian invitee Glintintheeye was not coming.
However, the Pegasus Spur gelding can take luck out of the equation if he runs in the first two in race 2 at Cambridge tonight as that will push him into the top 12 money-earners for his age.
Three others in the same race - The Driving God, Rock Tonight and Norvic Jazzman - could find themselves back at Cambridge for the group 1 final on May 31 if they win tonight, although the presence of Yagunnakissmeornot and Primz Luck among others will make that difficult.
One left-field option is Sunny Ruby, who could qualify by winning race 4 at Manawatu tomorrow night.
Her trainer, Fred Fletcher, is no stranger to Jewels glory, having prepared Jinja Gal to win this category in 2009, and sending Royal Aspirations around in a blazing time in the 2012 edition of the 2yr-old ruby.
The 4yr-olds look more settled by comparison, although three horses still have a chance to stake a last-minute claim for a trip to Cambridge.
Sundons Comet (Oamaru), The Bog (Addington) and Saratoga (Addington) will need to return him at the head of the field if they are to jump ahead of Astral Traveller (who will get a start due to Blitzthemcalder's non-attendance).
The 2yr-old male pacing division has been shaken up slightly with yesterday's withdrawal of Alta Orlando. The last-start sales series winner will have minor knee surgery. Iceobar is now in the top 12, and the Cambridge gelding Cullect The Gold is the emergency.
