Last year, we gave you the dummies' guide to New Zealand Cup Week in Christchurch. This year, Matt Smith has decided you have all graduated well past the dummy stage, and all you want are winners for the biggest week in New Zealand racing. So, here is a brief look at the major races (minus the trotting and pacing free-for-alls) coming out of Addington and Riccarton from Saturday.
SATURDAY - Riccarton
Two Thousand GuineasThe most important piece of gear for favourite Turn Me Loose could be the chap sitting on top of him. Opie Bosson gave up riding for all of three weeks and was back in the saddle for Turn Me Loose's third in the Sarten Memorial last week. Vinnie Eagle has found his mojo again and was very good in the Sarten, while Riding Shotgun has already had a look at Riccarton with a strong win in the Ray Coupland Stakes 10 days ago.
Best bet: Turn Me Loose
Roughie: Prince Mambo
TUESDAY - Addington
Sires Stakes FinalHughie Green sounds like your local barber, but it's actually the name of a very brisk pacer from the north. He took on some tidy intermediate grade pacers at Alexandra Park on Friday and produced a ''blink-and-you'll-miss-it'' last 800m of 53.9 seconds when winning - unheard of at the park. He is just as adept left-handed. Art Union has been faultless this season, Alta Orlando is a precocious talent, while Hug The Wind is a professional pacer who does everything right but has copped a bad draw.
Best bet: Hughie Green
Roughie: Have Faith In Me
New Zealand Trotting Cup
The sentimentalists' dream would be for Terror To Love to roll home to bring up his fourth consecutive cup win, but that's no sure thing. He was fine in the Ashburton Flying Stakes, despite finishing well back, but Adore Me certainly stirred up some interest with her win in the group 2 race. Christen Me had a similar run to ''Terror'' in the Flying Stakes, and is on the slow drift with punters. For A Reason is the best of the Aussies, while Hands Christian is a genuine danger over two miles.
Best bet: Terror To Love
Roughie: Hands Christian
WEDNESDAY - Riccarton
Coupland's MileThis group 2 1600m affair keeps growing in stature and that is reflected in the strong nominations for this year's renewal - although it is a punters' minefield. Scapolo is nominated to defend his crown, but who knows if he will turn up. Nashville is brutal at his best, Chambord was good in the Matamata Cup, while Albany Reunion is now favourite after his connections paid up for a late nomination on Monday.
Best bet: Chambord
Roughie: Addictive Habit
THURSDAY - Addington
New Zealand Greyhound CupCup week is all about making dreams come true - and Dream Collector is perfectly named to claim the 520m group 1 for the dogs. He smashed his rivals in the heats last week, and is a hot favourite to carry on that form through to the final. Blitzing Mayhem may be his only threat if the favourite strikes trouble, while the veteran Jinjarango will give you a run for your money if nothing else.
Best bet: Dream Collector
Roughie: Royal Runner
Galaxy Sprint
Finally, there is a group 1 in New Zealand for owners of sprinting greyhounds. Sozin's Comet was classy in the heats, and should shorten in the market after Clone Your Own missed a placing in the semifinals. Others to consider are the cool contender Mr Whippy and Homebush Kelso.
Best bet: Sozin's Comet
Roughie: Smash Rumour
FRIDAY - Addington
Dominion Trot
This 3200m battle is the main goal for the trotters this week, although a poor run in the free-for-all on Tuesday may end the quests of some. This is looking like a rather open Dominion. Master Lavros is brilliant at his best, but that is not to be seen at present, especially after two gallops at Kaikoura on Monday. Cool Cobber has stuck to the North Island for lead-up runs. Best to go with in-form runners such as Stent and Jag's Invasion.
Best bet: Stent
Roughie: Alley Way
SATURDAY - Riccarton
One Thousand Guineas
The 3yr-old fillies get their chance to add massive value to their broodmare potential. O'Marilyn already has a group 1 to her name from last season. Her two unbeaten runs this campaign, combined with her tractability, suggests she is the one to beat, and the odds reflect that. Dramatist lived up to her second-favouritism by taking care of a field at Motukarara on Sunday, and Platinum Witness was good at Riccarton in the Armadillo Stakes but is tackling the Two Thousand Guineas on Saturday as well.
Best bet: O'Marilyn
Roughie: Avisto
New Zealand Cup
If any race is ripe for a blowout, this is it. The track, the tempo, and the blend of North Island and South Island form lends itself to a roughie, but the grey frame of Blizzard will attract punters' money - not only for the fact he is grey, but he is in excellent form over the staying distances. Go Joeli can go one better than his second placing last year based on his second at Trentham last month, while Astroturf has been a huge improver for Michael Daly since moving south.
Best bet: Blizzard
Roughie: Likeapins
