Besotted could manage only third in the Spring Cup at Alexandra Park on Friday night, but his placing behind fellow cup contender Easy On The Eye moves him above Field Officer to sit in 21st spot.
Easy On The Eye was at ninth before Friday night's feature, and the lack of depth in the field, combined with Christen Me's efforts at group level last season, ensured Easy On The Eye stays in the same spot, rather than moving up.
Across the Tasman, Caribbean Blaster was in top form at Melton on Friday, finishing over the top of the veteran, Smoken Up, after sitting three-wide for the last lap to win the Preux Chevalier free-for-all in a 1.55.4 mile rate for the 2240m.
Another opportunity to automatically qualify for the New Zealand Cup is available on Friday night in the Avon City Ford (New Brighton) Cup, which has attracted three extra cup contenders on top of the other open-class rivals this season.
Defending New Zealand Cup champion Terror To Love returns after two quiet runs at the trials in recent weeks, as does Christen Me, who was asked for no effort when running fifth at the Ashburton trials on September 17. Former Easter Cup winner Sleepy Tripp comes into Friday's race on the back of two wins at the trials, including success over fellow cup nominees Field Officer and Jason Rulz at the Rangiora trials on September 21.
Fly Like An Eagle, part-owned by Phil and Margaret Creighton of Mosgiel, comes into Friday's race in a fresh state, after a second behind Pass Them By at the Ashburton trials on September 17.
New Zealand Trotting Cup rankings. - Terror To Love, 1; Themightyquinn, 2; Four Starzzz Flash, 3; Mah Sish, 4; Caribbean Blaster, 5; Franco Ledger, 6; Highview Tommy, 7; Christen Me, 8; Easy On The Eye, 9; Fly Like An Eagle, 10; Bitobliss, 11; Pembrook Benny, 12; Jason Rulz, 13; Suave Stuey Lombo, 14; Mach Banner, 15; Choise Achiever, 16; Jarcullembra, 17; Gomeo Romeo, 18; Ellmer Hanover, 19; Elusive Chick, 20; Besotted, 21; Field Officer, 22; Sleepy Tripp, 23; Motu Crusader, 24; River Black, 25; Pass Them By, 26; Pemberton Shard, 27; Cheer The Lady, 28; Smiling Star, 29; Jimmy Johnstone, 30; Captain Peacock, 31; Light In Every Day, 32; Better To Be Bad, 33; Kiwi Ideal, 34; Phantom Grin, 35; Cam Before The Storm, 36. Withdrawn: Chancellor Cullen
