Triple Treat; Will champion horseman Mark Purdon claim his third Auckland Cup this Friday night with Adore Me after previous success through Young Rufus and Auckland Reactor?
The Trillian Trust $250,000 Auckland Cup this Friday night will bring down the curtain on the 2013/14 Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit season.
Again, the Grand Circuit racing has offered exciting, ruthless and sometimes brutal action on the track.
Kiwi star Christen Me leads the way with 260 points after contesting four events throughout the season while Beautide sits a close second with 220 points following his brilliant Miracle Mile/Inter Dominion Grand Final double.
But neither pacer will start in this week’s 2700m mobile feature at Alexandra Park.
Both Christen Me and Beautide look destined to remain at the top level for quite some time but the challengers will keep coming thick and fast.
So, it creates a perfect opportunity for another player to step forward and announce their arrival on the biggest stage in this part of the world.
Could we have a contender emerge from the Auckland Cup?
Since making the switch to a 2700m mobile feature back in 2007, the Australian interest has peaked and results have been forthcoming with the Queensland owned super stayer Flashing Red claiming victory followed by champion Perth pacer Im Themightyquinn winning two of the last three editions.
The triple Inter Dominion hero scored a remarkable victory last year winning easily over Terror To Love and Bettor Cover Lover.
Unfortunately, there will be no Australian representative this year.
Freakish mare Adore Me will back-up following her shock loss last Sunday at Menangle behind Vansumic in the Gr.1 Ladyship Mile and has drawn ideally in two for trainer/driver Mark Purdon.
The Bettors Delight mare will command plenty of respect from punters and bookies alike.
Triple New Zealand Cup winner Terror To Love will also attract attention despite the fact he failed again on Australian soil last Sunday in the Gr.1 Inter Dominion Grand Final behind Beautide.
The multi-millionaire pacer possesses a neat record at this track and will start from a handy trailing draw off the second-line.
Veteran pacer Pembrook Benny can’t be treated lightly following his superb form this season; already successful this season the Gr.1 NZ Show Day FFA at Addington back in November, the Barry Purdon trained gelding proved he was spot-on after a stylish victory last week in the City of Auckland FFA.
The feared combination of Tim and Anthony Butt will have a trio of chances which includes Mah Sish, Pass Them By and Elusive Chick.
Emerging talents Saveapatrol, Jason Rulz, Besotted, Easy On The Eye and Lets Elope are all very capable of claiming the feature while enigmatic pacer Fly Like An Eagle warrants respect.
Tough mare Averil’s Quest faces a difficult challenge from her shocking draw but comes into this race with confidence following her last start victory at this track a month ago.
A fascinating contest looms and as always, tactics will be vital.
The Auckland Cup is race 7 on the massive twelve race card.
