In July we’ll be racing at Alexandra Park for $8500 with only two races worth more at $12,000
Auckland and Addington harness get $8500 minimums but elsewhere it’s down to $7000
By Barry Lichter • 30 April 2020
The minimum stake for harness meetings at Auckland and Addington on Fridays will be $8500 until the end of the season.
But elsewhere, at Cambridge, Invercargill and Sundays at Addington, the prizemoney will drop to a minimum of $7000.
Two of the higher class races at Auckland and Addington Friday meetings will be run for $12,000.
In revealing the stakes structure for the meetings scheduled from May 29 to July 31, Harness Racing New Zealand said the stakes reflect the significant challenges that all racing codes and RITA have faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is important to compare the stakes to the same period last year, when our industry meetings are generally running at lower levels, with no premier or feature racing (outside the Harness Jewels).”
“HRNZ has had no indication from RITA on proposed funding levels for the 2020-21 season and the stakes levels for this period should in no way be taken as an indication on what next season’s stakes may look like.”
All meetings through to the end of the season will be largely run on an open nominations basis, with fields selected to maximise wagering.
“It is important to note that the RITA funding is contingent on harness racing running the total scheduled number of races.
“The aim is to maintain field sizes at pre COVID-19 levels. The information provided by trainers suggests there will be a sizeable pool of fit horses available at the resumption of racing, which may create opportunities for extra races to be run and/or extra meetings added to the schedule.”
Jamie Mackinnon … “$8500 is a reasonable start.”Auckland Trotting Club vice president Jamie Mackinnon said the stake set wasn’t as bad as he thought it might be.
“We’ve been preparing ourselves for the worst and I know people were talking about $5000 stakes which would have been dreadful.
“In my mind I was thinking $8000 to $10,000 would be acceptable when we’re not in full flight. We know RITA is broke so we couldn’t expect a lot more.
“You can’t get too excited about $8500 minimum stakes but it’s a reasonable start.”
Mackinnon said Auckland was still committed to offering higher stakes and “in time when the club is properly sorted we still aim to do that.”
Before the COVID-19 lockdown stakes at Auckland were mostly set at $20,000 or $15,000 for lower class events.
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Ray reveals his theory on why rank outsider Sammy Lincoln can play a hand in the derby
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm
“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm
“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”
Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm
“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Prince Lincoln
4.53pm
“He actually tried last time. He’s a nice horse but can change his mind quickly. Full blinds woke him up last time so we’ll see if he responds to them again this time.”
Race 3: Omaha Lincoln
5.46pm
“I think he’ll go a good race but it’s his first time at Alexandra Park so I don’t want to talk him up too much. He’s got enough ability to win a race like this, whether he’s ready to do it, we’ll find out. He can get a bit keen at times but I think he’s a chance if he does everything right.”
Race 5: Spiritual Bliss
6.54pm
“It was another great run last time after leading and she’s a good, tough mare who will go another good race. What trip she gets will determine where she finishes. From five, I’m picking she might go back this time but I’ll leave that up to the driver (Harrison Orange).”
Race 6: Sharpe Stride
7.24pm
“He’s a nice trotter, a big strong colt. He can get a bit hot but there’s nothing wrong with how he goes. He’s certainly not good enough to deal with these but he’s there for a run around.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
8.57pm
“He’s racing in career-best form and they were struggling for runners so I put him in. He gets a starting fee of $1750 so we won’t go home empty-handed. I’m really happy with him, he’s handling right-handed racing better these days. But he’s racing the bear cats so I’m not suggesting for a second he’ll give them a fright.”
Race 10: Colonel Lincoln
9.25pm
“I thought he went super last time. It was a vast improvement on the previous two starts and you’ve got to remember he was out for a long time. He’s coming to it now and improving all the time. I couldn’t label him but I’d be surprised if he’s not in the first three or four. He’s trained on well and gets a front row draw.”
Race 10: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.25pm
“He was given too much to do last time - up to park at the bell - and you can’t drive the ears off them every time. With a more conservative trip he’d be right in it.”
