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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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
5.48pm
“Sammy Lincoln has a bit more speed than Lincoln Wave - he’s very fast for a big, rangy horse - but he might be vulnerable on Friday - he could experience difficulty on the corners going right-handed. He won’t be a maiden for long.”
Race 2: Lincoln Wave
5.48pm
“I’d say he’d be the more reliable of our two. He was clearly our best two-year-old before he got injured and we’ve waited a long time for him. He’s a powerful colt and should have a bright future.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.13pm
“The seven draw is a bit awkward but he’s trained on really well since Cambridge and I’m picking he’ll go really well.”
Race 8: Tyson
8.38pm
“He had a week off after his last run at Auckland, but I don’t think he’ll be short of a run. He’ll come back into the fray as tough as ever.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.38pm
“She was incredibly unlucky at Cambridge. The gap opened up for Harrison, he tried to push through, then it closed on him. If she led, she’d be the one to beat. She’s a nice mare and she’s pretty tough, she doesn’t give it up.”
Ray’s comments
Monday at Taupo
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
11.55am
“She’s been held up from awkward draws lately but gets the inside on Monday. She has limited ability but is racing really well and there are no superstars in the field. I think she’ll be fine on the grass as she’s good-gaited and wears no boots. She tries very hard and looks to have a decent show.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
2.17pm
“He’s the consummate tradesman, reliable and honest and deserves a win. He was only beaten by the passing lane runner last time after sitting parked for the last lap. He’s drawn to lead here and if he does that he’ll be hard to beat.”
