Yesterday marked one month until the Harness Jewels. Matt Smith takes an overview of who can feature when the nine fields are released from the mile start point at Cambridge on June 4.
2YO Ruby
This juvenile trot is almost always the last field to be nailed down. At this stage, half the field will be made up of the progeny of Muscle Mass - perhaps signalling a changing of the guard. Look to the top of the leaderboard for the likely contenders - Habibti Inta, Enghien, Custodian and Miracle Rising. Don't rule out Mortician, co-trained by Otago commentator Jason Teaz.
Invited Aussie: Illawong Byron.
Otago hopes: The Ricky Allen-trained Eyrish Mist is in the top 12 at the moment but could get overtaken by a newcomer to the ranks.
3YO Ruby
The heart-warming story of the season should keep on delivering on Jewels day.
Marcoola has proved to be head and shoulders above his peers, making Clint Ford, who had driven 15 winners in 11 seasons before his eight this year, into a cult hero with his pinpoint-perfect driving for father Ken. Wilma's Mate, Conon Bridge, Lemond and High Gait could make things interesting if Marcoola draws poorly.
Invited Aussie: To be confirmed.
Otago hopes: Blazing Under Fire is starting to hit form, but is probably chasing the thin end of the placings. Alderbeck is unlikely to go.
4YO Ruby
This category will either be very easy, or a little more complex. If Monbet goes to the Jewels, run him through all your multi bets. If not, Sunny Ruby and Harriet Of Mot loom as likely candidates to claim the group 1. Cambridge local Yagunnakissmeornot can threaten.
Invited Aussie: To be confirmed.
Otago hopes: The Billy Heads-trained De Vito is only $2100 off 12th but hasn't raced since March.
2YO Diamond
Never mind the inquisition, it's all about Spanish Armada in this category. Her high speed has proved lethal against her rivals this season. Delightful Memphis has had no luck with barrier draws recently, but will be the major threat with any sort of a marble.
Invited Aussie: To be confirmed.
Otago hopes: Not a traditionally strong category south of the Waitaki River.
3YO Diamond
One of the Purdon-Rasmussen pair of Golden Goddess or Piccadilly Princess should open favourite, but there's some depth to this category. Luisanabelle Midfrew was good enough to beat the older mares in the group 1 Breeders, and Nek Time has been excellent for Terry and Glenys Chmiel. Arden's Choice is probably the only other live hope.
Invited Aussie: To be confirmed.
Otago hopes: Arden's Choice is owned in West Otago by John and Judy Stiven and Les and Lynette Roseveare.
4YO Diamond
The Australian mare Arms Of An Angel (formerly trained in the Waikato) looks set to become the first Australian winner of a Jewels race, given the notable absence of top Kiwi mares The Orange Agent and Fight For Glory. Any front-row draw and Arms Of An Angel's a huge hope. The Kiwi mares are an even lot, but Better Be Amazed and Expressive Victor are the second and third-favourites in the market.
Invited Aussie: Arms Of An Angel.
Otago hopes: Motu Moonbeam is in the top 12, but has been sold overseas.
2YO Emerald
You might not be far wrong if you think the winner in the juvenile male pacing crop will be wearing the All Star colours. Pacing Major and More The Better look to be the best of the youngsters, although both Vasari and Mongolian Hero have given punters something to think about in recent weeks.
Invited Aussie: To be confirmed.
Otago hopes: Ultimate Machete is part-owned by Phil and Margaret Creighton, from East Taieri.
3YO Emerald
No Waikiki Beach and no Lazarus? No worries for the All Stars Stables. Heaven Rocks may have only had four starts, but made everyone take notice with his Southern Supremacy win over Classie Brigade.
The latter will still be a factor after a slight freshen-up, while maybe Shandale will finally get a decent draw in a big race. Keep an eye on Heza Bromac, who has won five from six in Australia.
Invited Aussie: Heza Bromac
Otago hopes: The Creightons are part-owners of Heaven Rocks, as well.
4YO Emerald
Sure, three of the top four money earners won't be at Cambridge, but the 4yr-old male pacing category should be interesting. Field Marshal seems perfectly suited for the mile at Cambridge, and will open favourite, but Risk, Hug The Wind, Tas Man Bromac and Maverick all add to the puzzle.
Invited Aussie: My Kiwi Mate
Otago hopes: Titan Banner has plenty of Otago owners supporting his campaign with the All Stars Stables, and Field Marshal is owned in Mosgiel.
●Future fixed-odds markets are open for the 4yr-old diamond and 4yr-old emerald categories. The other seven markets will come out soon, after the connections of Australian horses have accepted or declined their invitations.
