TAB Trot Slot holder Aldebaran Lodge’s Aldebaran Zeus winning on Grins Night of Champions 2023. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.
Big guns on both sides of the Tasman come to the table for Cambridge’s first TAB Trot Slot
By Barry Lichter • 28 November 2023
Many of Australasia’s key players are among the eight slot holders confirmed for the first slot race for trotters, the TAB Trot Slot, at Cambridge next year.
The inaugural edition of TAB Trot Slot, which will carry an initial stake of $575,000, will be held at Cambridge Raceway on Grins Night of Champions, April 12.
The slot holders who will be scouting for runners in the mobile 2200 metre race for trotters aged three or older are:
* TAB NZ
* Aldebaran Park
* All Stars Racing/ Chris Ryder
* Cullen Breeding
* Haras Des Trotteurs
* Hidden Honey
* Strike Won Racing
* Taylor St Racing Club Syndicate
Cambridge Raceway CEO Dave Branch said it was great to have key players in the harness industry involved.
“We have a really good mix of individuals and businesses which will bring their own energy to the promotion of the race,” he said.
“For us the goal was to get the race off the ground in year one, so that like The Race by Grins, we have something to grow in future years.
“This race wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Entain NZ & Australia and the slot holders who have backed this concept from the start.
“We’re excited to see the negotiations begin now as to who can secure which horses. That will be a huge part of the build-up. There’s already a lot of discussion underway and we think it could be one of the best trotting fields we’ve seen in New Zealand.”
While there was opportunity for 10 slot holders, the race will go ahead with just eight runners in the first year.
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 3: Jessie Lincoln
6.39pm
“She was very good first-up - Harry said she was still coming at the line - and I’m sure she’ll go pretty well again. The way she trains over 2400 metres, you’d think the extra 500 metres will help.”
Race 3: Lincoln Downs
6.39pm
“I was quite happy with her last run at Cambridge, she’s improved a lot since Auckland. It’s a shame she’s got a bad draw this week but if she can hit the line well again, I’ll be happy.”
Race 5: Dreams Of Eric
7.34pm
“I think he’ll be a good chance because he continues to train very well. I’ll leave it up to Harry how he drives him this week but you’d think he’d lead again.”
Nathan’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Tyson
6.52pm
“He had to do a bit much work last time - from a niggly draw he went round and sat parked. He’s drawn three on Friday, which is perfect, as he can just mooch up there. He keeps going good races in stronger fields and needs two more starts and some more points to qualify for the Golden Gait.”
Race 8: Kevin Kline
9.24pm
“He’s up against the better ones now, like Cold Chisel, but he keeps doing a good job. He’s a tough horse who keeps improving and he’s training really well. I thought he’d be a chance.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Addington
Race 7: Debbie Lincoln
8.09pm
“I was pretty pleased with the way she went last time. It was unfortunate she had to cop such a tough trip but she showed she is competitive - not many in the race could have done what she did. Maurice said if he’d pushed her out, she would have finished a bit closer. I can’t fault her. She recovered quickly and looks great. She’s no 100-to-one shot. All she needs is a bit of luck.”
