The trotting events look the best chances for the strong southern contingent as Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen’s All Stars Stable is expected to dominate the pacing races. Southland trotters Smokey Mac and War Machine will face their biggest career tests in tonight’s 4&5yr-old Trotting Championship (2600m).
They are joined by Alderbeck and King Cassidy to make up the four-strong southern contingent that will square off with leading trotter Temporale.
Temporale, trained and driven by Papakura horseman Tony Herlihy, will start for the first time today since twice running second in Australia in February.
For the second year in a row, Oamaru trainer Phil Williamson will attempt to win the 2yr-old Trotting Stakes (1950m mobile) with a horse having its first start.
Williamson won last year’s race with Springbank Lachie and his charge today is Only One Way, to be driven by son Matthew Williamson.
Matthew’s brother Brad, who drove Springbank Lachie to win the race, drives another first starter in Get Lucky for Invercargill trainer Alister Black.
Fellow Southland trainer Kirk Larsen has leading hope Tolkien in the race. Katiki trotter Count Eyre will start from barrier 1 in the $30,000 feature for trainer Ricky Allen and driver Blair Orange.
The All Stars Stable looks to have many of today’s pacing races at its mercy with its 13-strong team.
The $100,000 group 1 Easter Cup (3200m) is no exception as it has the hot favourite, More The Better.
Though race rival Alta Orlando beat More The Better last week, Purdon is not concerned.
"I wasn’t disappointed with More the Better last week," he said on his stable’s website.
"I regarded the run as a step along the way rather than any glitch. He is well placed in that race.
"He should be ready for a big effort."
