A shortlist - which is a bigger secret than the 11 herbs and spices - was drawn up yesterday for the Highlanders coaching position. The ODT form analysts took a look through the race book and were none the wiser after studying track, distance and every other statistic under the sun.
The field (in alphabetical order). -
1 Tony Brown
Coaching history: Otago, Sanyo Wild KnightsKaitangata-bred runner who always gets support on his home tracks. Shows promise, but declared himself a scratching earlier in the season. Stranger things have happened though - look at last year's Melbourne Cup.
Odds: $4.50
2 Colin Cooper
Coaching history: Taranaki, Crusaders assistant, Hurricanes, Junior All Blacks, Maori All BlacksWily campaigner who is always in the chasing pack. Probably better suited to the slower tempo of the Mitre 10 Cup, but experience can sometimes outfinish flashiness over the longer trips.
Odds: $10
3 Greg Cooper
Coaching history: Highlanders, Blues assistant coach, NECHis hoof was forced at his first stint on this track as had to surround himself with locally bred yearlings. Performed well in Japan, although hard to rank that form back down south. No need to change stables so no need to pay the float trip.
Odds: $15
4 Mark Hammett
Coaching history: Crusaders assistant, Hurricanes, Cardiff, SunwolvesWill bore the other runners to death with his neighing about "culture''. Likely to cause ructions around the stables - don't be surprised to see a couple of thoroughbreds slip through their gates and run for the hills to get away from him.
Odds: $20
5 Dave Hewett
Coaching history: Crusaders assistant coachGrinding type who isn't afraid to rough it in close exchanges. Has served a long apprenticeship in the Crusaders stable, and may be a dual acceptor, having a crack at both the Highlanders and Crusaders jobs.
Odds: $10
6 Stuart Lancaster
Coaching history: Leeds, England Saxons, EnglandEnglish-bred stayer looking for new pastures after being sacked by his last trainer. Well-conditioned type, but perhaps lacks form in the southern hemisphere. Long shot.
Odds:
7 $15 Larry Leftfield
Coaching history: UnknownOf indeterminate breeding and back. Yet to trial in public, so hard to gauge. Still, hard to go past as favourite considering no other runners want to take the lead.
Odds: $2.50
8 Scott Robertson
Coaching history: Canterbury, New Zealand under-20Probably the most nimble-footed runner in this field, Razor has established a solid record, particularly in the age-grade races. Can handle all going and his breakdancing adds a little something to post-race celebrations. Like Hewett, a dual acceptor.
Odds: $7