The 5yr-old categories, added only this year after Harness Racing New Zealand backed down on its plan to run 4 & 5-yr-olds in the same category, has proved to be a bonus for horses trained in Otago, with six of the eight horses to qualify set to run in them on Sunday, June 2.
Two 4yr-olds from the greater Otago area will get their chance to add a group 1 win or placing to their pedigree page on the Saturday. The Geoff and Jude Knight-trained Royal Impression squeaked into the starting 12 for the 4yr-old Diamond (mares) final, which has traditionally opened the day's racing.
Otago horses hold a strong record in this event, with the Andrew Faulks and Noel Creighton-trained GTH Aveross blowing apart the form guides and the stopwatches in the first Harness Jewels race in 2007. She paced the mile in 1.54.0 and paid a staggering $81.70 for the win. The Roxburgh-based Knights do have experience, winning the 4yr-old Diamond after Pembrook's Delight upset Bettor Cover Lover via the passing lane at Cambridge last year.
Oamaru trainer Phil Williamson has lined up trotters in every edition of the Jewels, and this year is no different. He has Miss Pegasus taking on Stent and Master Lavros and nine other trotters in the 4yr-old Ruby (trotters) on Saturday, and a two-pronged attack on the 5yr-old Ruby on Sunday.
Williamson was to have three trotters in the 5yr-old category, but Murcielargo - who would have qualified fifth - will miss the $100,000 mile after sustaining a leg injury which will require some ''time out'', Williamson said. The Sundon gelding has returned north to his Pukekohe owners, who include Peter and Glen Wolfenden.
Springbank Sam heads the 5yr-old category for Williamson, after ending the qualifying period as the top money-earner, while Williamson also prepares Monnay who qualified third.
Jonny Cox will have his first starter as a trainer in the Harness Jewels when he takes Jess Jaccka north to take on the Williamson duo and others in the 5yr-old Ruby. Cox took over the training of the Continentalman mare from co-owner Charlie Smaill at the start of this season, and has compiled a tidy record of three wins and six placings from 16 attempts this season.
Williamson and Cox are joined in the 5yr-old Ruby by Tahakopa trainer Brian Norman, who lines up So King.
Steve Ashton has his Waimate Cup and Southern Belle Speed Series winner Better To Be Bad in the 5yr-old Diamond for pacing mares. The daughter of Badlands Hanover qualified fourth for the category, and will be attempting to be the second Otago mare to down Bettor Cover Lover in two consecutive years at the Jewels.
Westwood Beach-trained Ballindooley has muscled his way into the 5yr-old Emerald (pacing entires and geldings) courtesy of six wins this season, including the 4 & 5yr-old championship at Forbury Park earlier this year.
The barrier draw for all 12 Harness Jewels races will be held tomorrow afternoon.
Fixed odds prices
(as of 5pm yesterday)
4yr-old Diamond
Royal Impression .............................$31
4yr-old Ruby
Miss Pegasus....................................$41
5yr-old Diamond
Better To Be Bad ............................. $10
5yr-old Emerald
Ballindooley .....................................$26
5yr-old Ruby
Springbank Sam ...........................$2.20
Jess Jaccka ......................................$13
Monnay ............................................$15
So King .............................................$18
