The second night of the Auckland Inters is expected to be packed with excitement as both pacers and trotters burn up the track over the sprint trip of 1700 metres.
With the opening night throwing up some rough results, connections of both gaits will be desperate to increase their points tally going into Saturday week’s Grand Final.
PACERS – HEAT THREE
After drawing the pole, Chase Auckland (1) appears to be the logical choice. Narrowly beaten by current series favourite Ultimate Sniper after leading, this heat is his to lose. Thefixer (11) ran home strongly for third the A G’s White Socks and further improvement is expected. Even though he finished ninth behind Ultimate Sniper, Colt Thirty One’s effort was full of merit after coming from the tail of the field and being eight wide on the final bend. Grant Dixon will be looking to go forward from gate five at the start and occupy a handy position. A G’s White Socks (3) completely turned his form around to blow his rivals away in the second heat last Friday and could do the same here. Ashley Locaz (11) missed away hopelessly when sixth to Ultimate Sniper and may have won with a good beginning. Has to be taken on trust but a great chance if does everything right. Solid Gold (2) after finishing fourth to Chase Auckland on opening night looks a place opportunity. My Kiwi Mate (9) should receive a great passage on the back of Chase Auckland, but would need to improve vastly on his heat seventh after a one/one trip.
SELECTIONS : (1) CHASE AUCKLAND, (5) Colt Thirty One, (11) Thefixer, (3) A G’s White Socks
PACERS – HEAT FOUR
San Carlo (1) gets his chance from the pole and looks the leader, however Bling It On (9) which was disappointing after leading on opening night (but had excuses) will stalk him all the way and can be dynamic along the passing lane. Stablemates Ultimate Sniper (7) and Cruz Bromac (8) were both superb last Friday but will need luck from their horror draws. It saying that, they are too good to be dismissed. Mach Shard (3) was placed after an easy trip three back the markers on opening night and could be placed with a similar trip. Classie Brigade (5) made up plenty of ground from near last when eighth to A G’s White Socks and has to be respected. Triple Eight (6) will need luck from his draw, but is a first four prospect at best.
SELECTIONS : (1) SAN CARLO, (9) Bling It On, (8) Cruz Bromac, (7) Ultimate Sniper
TROTTERS – HEAT THREE
Winterfell (5) was outstanding last Friday and providing he does everything right looks first pick. Habibi Inta (2) was never a chance last week after being shuffled back to near last. May be best to forgive the performance and go on his dominant Dominion victory. Majestic Man (3) flashed home late when third to Winterfell and should be in the mix. Massive Metro (9) was a tough second to Paramount King and could be placed. Valloria (8) was fourth on opening night off a soft passage, but the draw has done him no favours. Kennys Dream (1) can also be placed off an easy trip.
SELECTIONS : (5) WINTERFELL, (2) Habibi Inta, (1) McLovin, (3) Majestic Man
TROTTERS – HEAT FOUR
Marcoola (1) finished hard from three back the markers to just fail last Friday and from the good draw looks the one to beat. Temporale (3) looked a big chance on turning last week before wilting to miss a place when fourth to Winterfell. Always runs a good race and if driven a little cooler looks a danger. Tough Monarch (9) wilted badly after doing plenty of work when seventh to Winterfell. From the good trailing draw will have it easier here and should be in the finish. Paramount King (8) was exceptional on opening night from the same gate, but will find it harder over the short trip. Big Jack Hammer (7) was game when third to Paramount King after leading, but from a bad draw here may struggle to handle the track. Bonnie Highlander (4) and Didjabringthebeers (2) have place chances.
SELECTIONS : (1) MARCOOLA, (9) Tough Monarch, (3) Temporale, (2) Didjabringthebeers
