It’s time to get back to work.
The Australian Pacing Gold Trotting Masters series springs back into gear this Friday night with the running of the Gr.1 $NZ100,000 H.R. Fisken & Sons 2016 ANZAC Cup at Alexandra Park, Auckland.
Since its inception back in 2012, the 2200m mobile start open trot has proved to be an ideal lead-in to next week’s feature, the two mile stand start Canam Rowe Cup.
And the honour roll for the ANZAC Cup features the names of I Can Doosit, Stent, Superbowlcheerleader and last year’s victor Sheemon.
No Australian trained trotter has claimed the feature and there will be no representation this season.
Following a brief let-up after the Great Southern Star last month in Melbourne, the open class trotters have two remaining legs of the 2015/16 APG Trotting Masters series to close out the season.
And home town hero Speeding Spur sits firmly in the box seat.
Prepared at Clevedon by father/son combination of John and Josh Dickie, the stylish four-year-old entire has a commanding lead while some dare to say an unassailable lead over his rivals entering the final two features.
With his Great Southern Star victory plus his brave second placing in the Australian Grand Prix, Speeding Spur has amassed 160 points which is 50 points clear of his nearest rival, Keystone Del who hasn’t made the trek across the Tasman.
The biggest threat to Speeding Spur is Canterbury star Monbet, from the stables of Greg and Nina Hope and the giant four-year-old gelding has been a massive improver this term with multiple Group One victories.
Monbet is unbeaten at Alexandra Park this season.
The standout duo have clashed twice this season with Monbet beating home a fresh-up Speeding Spur in the National Trot back in December while they both chased home Keystone Del in the Grand Prix at TABCORP Park, Melton in February.
Speeding Spur was a brave second while Monbet galloped out of contention.
On Friday night, they start alongside each other after Monbet drew the inside gate while Speeding Spur is to his immediate left.
Both trotters possess brilliant records at the track, in fact, neither have missed a placed in multiple efforts.
Speeding Spur hasn’t started since his Melbourne triumph last month while Monbet returned home following his gallop and bounced straight back into winning form including his victory in the Gr.1 NZ Trotting Championship at Addington earlier this month.
While they dominate all pre-race discussions this week, their opposition also boasts strong records including defending champion Sheemon plus Waterloo Sunset, Jag’s Invasion, Queen Kenny, Valmagne, Quite A Moment and Scarrymcleary.
The ANZAC Cup is race 8 on the program and scheduled to start at 9.37pm local time.
