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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Final tune-up for Ray’s southern team at Alexandra Park on Friday night
Better set-up at Auckland on Friday night for Sugar Ray to produce that knockout punch
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Tuesday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Commander Lincoln
4.50pm
“Forget he went round at Auckland where the opposition was much too tough for him. He’s a regular placegetter in the amateur races at Cambridge and look for him late.”
Race 7: Im Not The Maid
7.07pm
“She ran another good race for third here last time but enjoyed a perfect trip in the trail. From the outside of the gate this will be a bit tougher for her but she’s up to running a hole.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Addington
Race 2: Frisco Bay
5.19pm
“He wouldn’t have been a chance in the $100,000 race but these ones are more like him. The draw’s a bit niggly but he’s racing well and I’m looking forward to seeing where he sits.”
Race 10: Lincoln Lou
9.28pm
“It’s a strong line-up but the good draw of four will help. I won’t be telling Sam (Thornley) what to do but the horse has big speed if he wants to use it. ”
Race 10: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.28pm
“He’s at the mercy of the ones drawn in front of him. Hopefully Bar Louie doesn’t stand on his head at the start. I’d rather have been on the outside to be honest but if Ricky (May) can get a good trip, he’ll be right there.”
Race 12: The Big Lebowski
10.23pm
“He certainly looks good in this field which is a dramatic drop in class. It’s a pity he didn’t draw on the gate - the second row draw could be awkward - but he does look to stand over them. I just hope he doesn’t stuff it up.”
