The perfect scenario is taking shape for New Zealand Cup runner-up Jack’s Legend ahead of today’s New Zealand Free-For-All at Addington.
The race has the potential to become another version of this year’s Harness Jewels for the Barry Purdon-trained pacer.
From his perfect No3 barrier draw, the 4yr-old could replicate his winning Harness Jewels performance, which saw him out-sprint race rival Ultimate Machete on the passing lane in June. A customary fast beginning should have the pacer in front early in the race to give driver Zachary Butcher the option to hand the lead to the right horse and win today’s race in exactly the same fashion.
The first part of that, getting to the front first, is something Butcher can see happening.
"I think he has got plenty of gate speed. He has shown that in the Jewels, that we have got more than most out there, and I can see myself getting to the pegs first."
The case for Jack’s Legend finding the trail today is only strengthened by having Aussie raider Tiger Tara, who is also a gate flier and natural leader, drawn in barrier 5.
But Butcher is not going to rely on any pre-set tactics.
"Most people read the race as Tiger Tara [leading] and that is fair enough; he is obviously going to be having a crack too.
"But it is one of those things where once the first 100m has been run, hopefully we are in front and we can read the race from there."
Tiger Tara’s driver, Todd McCarthy, has a much more certain race plan for his charge and it is as many would expect.
"He gets off the gate well and loves to lead and run along, so that will be the plan," he said.
"And I think most of the other drivers would be keen to follow him because he will give whoever is in the trail their chance."
Though, interestingly, Butcher is not ruling out staying in front with Jack’s Legend, depending on how the race develops, he said.
Jack’s Legend came through his New Zealand Cup effort in good order, the driver said.
"Barry seems really happy with him. He is not really an energetic horse anyway; he is pretty laid-back. But he seems pretty well."
What could prevent Jack’s Legend from leading or trailing is rival drivers having their sights on the lead, though it seems unlikely any horses have the speed to outgun both Jack’s Legend and Tiger Tara without throwing away their chances.
The scenario puts free-for-all grade rookie Ultimate Machete in a tricky early position. The 4yr-old could stay out of the early battle and be forced to move around to sit parked to be put in the race by driver Natalie Rasmussen.
Otago star Titan Banner has been handed more fortune after his unlucky last 800m of the New Zealand Cup, where he had to evade the galloping Tiger Tara.
The horse is expected to be well out of the early speed battle today from his barrier 8 draw.
Predicting where the leading chances may settle in today’s 3200m Dominion looks much tougher. Favourite Great Things Happen has been at $1.75 odds after his win in Tuesday’s New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All. The Gavin Smith-trained and driven gelding was ultra impressive in running the same record time Monbet did in last year’s race.
Times also give Southland trotter Dark Horse some hope of running down the favourite from her unruly starting position. The Nathan Williamson-trained and driven squaregaiter produced the fastest 1600m, 800m and 400m sectional times in Tuesday’s race from her horror barrier 14.
Otago trotter Monty Python will line up closest to Dark Horse from his outside of the second row draw for trainer Phil Williamson and driver Matthew Williamson. He will be relying on early luck to put himself in a prominent position for his best chance of winning.
