More than 15,000 people flocked to Addington on cup day. PHOTO: John Davidson/Photosport.
Punters splurge $7.5 million on trotting cup day - a 25-year record for any code
By Barry Lichter • 9 November 2022
Record betting figures were posted on Tuesday’s trotting cup day meeting at Addington.
New Zealand punters wagered $7.5 million on the 13-race card, the highest turnover of any meeting, both harness and thoroughbreds, in the last 25 years.
The previous record was also set on Addington’s cup day, when $7.1 million was bet in 2007, the year Flashing Red won his second cup.
The highest take at a gallops meeting was $6.7 million turned over on New Year’s Day at Ellerslie in 2021.
Addington’s Racing Industry Manager Darrin Williams reports turnover on the cup was close to $2million with $131,689 on-course, $1,039,400 off-course and $743,179 on the fixed odds market. That took the total to $1,914,267, or $127,618 per starter.
Strong fields have been carded again at Addington for Show day on Friday with Australian Rock N Roll Doo the big winner in the draw for the $200,000 NZ Pacing Free-for-all.
The Victoria Cup winner blew the start of the IRT Cup from the second row and beat only one home but reverts to a mobile on Friday.
Self Assured, one of the most unlucky runners in Tuesday’s cup, is a little wider out in seven.
His effort to finish fifth, less than two lengths from the winner Copy That was enormous after scrambling away, becoming buried on the markers then being held up leaving the final bend and locking wheels and puncturing a sulky tyre near the 300m.
Addington’s official GPS tracking system StrideMASTER clocked Self Assured to run his last 1600 metres in a staggering 1:51.89.
Alta Wiseguy, who did well for seventh on Tuesday, gets the coveted ace draw, with stablemate B D Joe on his back.
The two big guns in the $300,000 Dominion Trot both drew the front row, Muscle Mountain in one and Sundee’s Son in seven.
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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
