NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc
Friday, 27 February
- Race Number:
- Race 1
- Race Time:
CHECK OUT HARNESSLINK.COM MOBILE PACE
$20,000, WITH COND., 1980m
For 3yo pacers with up to 1 win for lifetime. Preferential Barrier Draw Based on: Winning Stakes using the track grid.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 341449 | B J Hunnicutt | 1 | Ft | Craig Thornley | Contained last time out but gets into a more suitable grade. Combos claims. |
| 2 |  | 3X0916 | Hawk Touie Louie | 2 | Ft | Bob Butt | OK in his first run out of maidens on 13 Feb. Gets a nice draw. Not out of this. |
| 3 |  | 14 | Volare | 3 | Ft | Robbie Close | Doing her best work late from midfield last time. Has speed to use. Danger. |
| 4 |  | 2X1 | Sunsoutgunsout | 4 | Ft | Blair Orange | Rattled home for 13 Feb maiden win. 3YO with plenty of upside. Top pick here. |
| 5 |  | 14X | Helius | 5 | Ft | Jonny Cox | Three hitouts to prepare for this after brief but good 2025 campaign. Roughie. |
| 6 |  | 90640X | Cool For Cats | 6 | Ft | John Dunn | Good enough to win a Group 2 as a 2YO. Good trials this time in. Consider. |
| Best Bets: Sunsoutgunsout (4), Volare (3), Cool For Cats (6), Hawk Touie Louie (2) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: Cool For Cats (1-56.6), Helius (1-58.7), Volare (2-00.0) [races less or equal 2000m] | |||||||
| Star Trialist: Helius - 1st of 2, Chertsey, 10/02/26, 2400m Stand , WnrsTime: 3-12.0, 800m: 56.8, 400m: 27.3 | |||||||
| Gear Changes: Cool For Cats (6): ACD-Off, Hawk Touie Louie (2): BL-On, Volare (3): BL-On Legend | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 2
- Race Time:
ROAD METALS MOBILE TROT
$15,000, NON-WINNERS 3YO & OLDER, 1980m
For 3yo-&-older trotters.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 425 | Lap It Up | 1 | Ft | Kimberly Butt | Did things wrong here last week as favourite. Better than that. Give another go. |
| 2 |  | 0927X7 | Stuarts Buller Boy | 2 | Ft | Blair Orange | Thin returns in 19 starts. Battled fairly in 15 Feb resumption. Rough odds. |
| 3 |  | P74884 | Which Way | 3 | Ft | Scott Iremonger(J) | Honest 4th here last time but was still 6 lengths away. Seeking improvement. |
| 4 |  | Blue Collar | 4 | Ft | John Dunn | Qualified here in early Feb. From a good family, but may be better for the run. | |
| 5 |  | 8848 | Lorde Franco | 5 | Ft | Craig Thornley | Won 20 Feb mobile trial after botching the start at Oamaru. Worth considering. |
| 6 |  | 0 | Mysaria | 6 | Ft | Amber Lethaby | Double error on debut at Ashburton. Mum proved her worth though. First4s. |
| 7 |  | 4883X3 | Sheep | 7 | Ft | Luke Whittaker | Couldn't go on after leading last week. Draw no help in this. Combos preferred. |
| 8 |  | 048507 | Kayleebelle | 8 | Ft | Ray Jenkins | Never happy here last week in first go behind the mobile. Looking to others. |
| 9 |  | 43P726 | Bullet | U1 | Ft | John Versteeg | Took himself out of play in the score-up last week. Tough when right. Place. |
| Best Bets: Lap It Up (1), Lorde Franco (5), Blue Collar (4), Bullet (9) | |||||||
| Star Trialist: Lorde Franco - 1st of 2, N Cnty TOA, 20/02/26, 2000m Mobile, WnrsTime: 2-37.0, 800m: 60.0, 400m: 29.6, Margins: neck. | |||||||
| Gear Changes: Mysaria (6): BL-On Legend | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 3
- Race Time:
THANKS FOR THE 40 PLUS YEARS OF SUPPORT GARRY THOMPSON PACE
$15,000, NON-WINNERS 3YO & OLDER, 2600m
For 3yo-&-older pacers.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 94808 | American Tos | 1 | Ft | Robbie Close | Form just fair on the grass. Back to all-weather but query on stand start. Place |
| 2 |  | 332 | Elegant Delight | 2 | Ft | David White | Smart late here last week & shown more purpose than most in this. Top pick. |
| 3 | | 8X3 | Brilliant Chase | 3 | Ft | Bob Butt | Safely away from a stand at 20 Feb trials. Good 3rd here 13 Feb. Bright hope. |
| 4 |  | Miki Magnificent | 4 | Ft | Sam Thornley | Pulled away nicely for 20 Feb trial win. Sire keeps kicking goals. Keep onside. | |
| 5 |  | 2470X2 | Always B Hayley | 5 | Ft | Samantha Ottley | Kept fighting after finding lead on Sunday. Stand start manners improving. Place |
| 6 | | 243244 | Major Li | 6 | Ft | Blair Orange | Found the lead in recent assignments. Just seeking more late. Not the worst. |
| 7 | | Last Honours | 7 | Ft | John Dunn | Full brother to a nice mare. Qualified March 2025 but given time. Trifectas. | |
| 8 |  | 426453 | Dancing N Heaven | U1 | Ft | John Morrison | Put in a brave shift here last week. Has placed from a stand. Repeat possible. |
| Best Bets: Elegant Delight (2), Brilliant Chase (3), Miki Magnificent (4), Major Li (6) | |||||||
| Star Trialist: Last Honours - 1st of 4, N Cnty TOA, 20/03/25, 2000m Mobile, WnrsTime: 2-34.1, 800m: 61.8, 400m: 32.5, Margins: 1/2len, 7 1/2len, 3 1/2len. | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 4
- Race Time:
WOODLANDS STUD TROT
$17,000, 3YO & OLDER R40 TO R50, 2000m
For R40 to R50 3yo-&-older trotters.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 11 | Lauzelle | 1 | Ft | Leo O'Reilly | Still green, but has the motor to make up for that. Awkward draw but consider. |
| 2 |  | 865551 | Tu Tangata | 2 | Ft | Paul Nairn | Paid his loyal followers with late zip last week. Doesn't win out of turn. Place |
| 3 |  | P3P210 | Father Mike | 3 | Ft | Lawrence McCormick | Did his chips at the start 13 Feb. Easy Rangiora win proved his talent. Each way |
| 4 |  | 379811 | Koko Kaboom | 4 | Ft | Wilson House(J) | Found form on the Central District circuit. Stats here not the worst. Combos. |
| 5 |  | 323111 | Petite Trixton | 5 | Ft | Sarah O'Reilly | Placed expertly to rack up a trio of wins. No reason she can't measure up. |
| 6 |  | X50760 | T K Megastar | 6 | Ft | Robbie Holmes | Left alone by punters before early error 13 Feb. Others bring stronger form. |
| 7 |  | 041727 | Aspirational Dream | 7 | Ft | ||
| 8 |  | 946214 | B D Hall | 8 | Ft | Tim Williams | Very impressive late here 13 Feb & slots back into a kinder grade. Hard to beat. |
| 9 |  | 855511 | Buffy Northstains | 9 | Ft | Mia Holbrough(J) | Great job around the regional tracks in February. Always good combos bait. |
| 10 | | 257212 | Rock Lobster | U1 | Ft | John Dunn | Went close after finding a good spot 13 Feb. Should step & play a key role. |
| 11 |  | 221402 | Hoof It Hagrid | U2 | Ft | Riley Harrison(J) | Just grabbed by #2 here last week. Not bombproof but very capable. Place. |
| Best Bets: B D Hall (8), Rock Lobster (10), Petite Trixton (5), Father Mike (3) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: Hoof It Hagrid (2-02.0), Tu Tangata (2-03.1), Koko Kaboom (2-03.7) [races less or equal 2000m] | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 5
- Race Time:
MEG CUNNEEN 'HIVARI' MOBILE PACE
$17,000, 4YO & OLDER R37 TO R45, 1980m
For R37 to R45 4yo-&-older pacers. Also R45 3yo horses with 2 wins for lifetime. Preferential Barrier Draw Based on: Rating then Winning Stakes using the track grid.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | 6214 | Route Sixty Six | 1 | Ft | Wilson House(J) | Not disgraced here 23 Jan & that form has measured up. Place hope from #1. |
| 2 | | 509007 | Remission | 2 | Ft | Craig Thornley | Not on her best behaviour at Waterlea. Pops up here at times. First4 fringes. |
| 3 | | 331132 | Ukraine | 3 | Ft | Seth Hill(J) | Solid efforts to place here since back-to-back wins. This is within his range. |
| 4 |  | 617471 | Lily's A Star | 4 | Ft | Sarah O'Reilly | Emerged late for win in amateurs grade last week. Harder here. Trifectas. |
| 5 |  | 945653 | Zarlini | 5 | Ft | Ben Hope | Went close at Ashburton in stronger grade. Well placed here. Worth a look. |
| 6 | | 14X71 | Desert Dancer | 6 | Ft | Blair Orange | Used tactical speed to lead & score 13 Feb. May employ similar tactics. EW. |
| 7 | | 183832 | Candy Cane | 7 | Ft | Riley Harrison(J) | Just missed in similar grade 13 Feb. Wide draw but has plenty of upside. Threat. |
| 8 | | 39397X | Sacetas | 8 | Ft | ||
| 9 |  | 2113 | Cee Whata Mickee | 9 | Ft | ||
| 10 |  | 930417 | Swimming Poole | U1 | Ft | Sam Thornley | Trial winner since getting back here 30 Jan. Unruly mark makes it hard again. |
| Best Bets: Candy Cane (7), Ukraine (3), Desert Dancer (6) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: Ukraine (1-56.8), Swimming Poole (1-58.6), Lily's A Star (1-59.1) [races less or equal 2000m] | |||||||
| Star Trialist: Swimming Poole - 1st of 6, Chertsey, 10/02/26, 2400m Mobile, WnrsTime: 3-03.0, 800m: 57.1, 400m: 27.4, Margins: 3/4len, neck, nose. | |||||||
| Gear Changes: Remission (2): BL-Off, SL-On, Route Sixty Six (1): SL-On, Swimming Poole (10): BL-Off Legend | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 6
- Race Time:
TYRE GENERAL HANDICAP TROT
$18,500, 3YO & OLDER R51 TO R70 SPECIAL, 2000m
For R51 to R70 3yo-&-older trotters. Front: R51 to R60. 10m: R61 to R70.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 115807 | Premium Player | 1 | Ft | Gavin Smith | Bit more like it at Taupo off 20m. Gets back to front line here. Combos hope. |
| 2 | | 02299X | Zoltan Boscik | 2 | Ft | Luke Whittaker | Form dipped away in spring but was in good fields. 20 Feb trial win. Keep safe. |
| 3 |  | 422166 | Vertigo | 3 | Ft | Lawrence McCormick | Didn't have all favours here 13 Feb. Gets a handicap relief here. Has claims. |
| 4 |  | 439637 | Sunny Louis | 4 | Ft | Blair Orange | Got going from well back here 30 Jan. Last won in May 2025 though. Roughie. |
| 5 |  | 865772 | One El | 5 | Ft | Colin DeFilippi | Gave good sight here last week in a return to form. May be over the odds again. |
| 6 |  | 015077 | Franco Josiah | U1 | Ft | John Morrison | Not rounding out his races since his Oamaru win 10 Dec. Happy to watch. |
| 7 | | 339106 | Wilma's Boy | U2 | Ft | Bob Butt | Too far back to threaten here last week. Gait not perfect, but always a threat. |
| 8 |  | 175405 | Rachmaninov | U3 | Ft | Robbie Close | Comfortably held by his stablemate last week. Largely good prior though. Combos. |
| 9 | | 074766 | Paris Prince | 1 | 10 | Sam Thornley | Drops back from Group company last start. Midfield looks his lot off 10m. |
| 10 | | 772331 | Helloveamoment | 2 | 10 | Samantha Ottley | Capped off return to form with 13 Feb success. 10m is no worries. Each way. |
| Best Bets: Zoltan Boscik (2), Wilma's Boy (7), Helloveamoment (10), Vertigo (3) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: Zoltan Boscik (2-04.6), Helloveamoment (2-05.4), Franco Josiah (2-05.5) [races less or equal 2000m] | |||||||
| Star Trialist: Zoltan Boscik - 1st of 7, N Cnty TOA, 20/02/26, 2600m Stand , WnrsTime: 3-41.1, 800m: 61.2, 400m: 28.9, Margins: 1 len, 1/2 head, 1 len. | |||||||
| Gear Changes: Vertigo (3): BL-Off, Zoltan Boscik (2): SL-Off, BL-On Legend | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 7
- Race Time:
MATT HARRISON CONSTRUCTION MOBILE PACE
$19,000, 3YO & OLDER R51 TO R70, 1980m
For R51 to R70 3yo-&-older pacers. Preferential Barrier Draw Based on: Rating then Winning Stakes using the track grid.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | 102011 | Showcase | 1 | Ft | Craig Thornley | Hit a purple patch of form with Waterlea wins. Big step up here though. First4s. |
| 2 | | 158232 | Captain Kobe | 2 | Ft | Wilson House(J) | Stout efforts from contrasting draws recently. Another facing a grade rise. |
| 3 | | 821P11 | Sonofamistery | 3 | Ft | Tim Williams | Started 2026 with a hiss and a roar. Stiffest test to date. Quinellas/trifectas. |
| 4 | | 206663 | Bryce's Meddle | 4 | Ft | John Dunn | Chased gamely after getting worse than midfield 19 Feb. Seeking luck here. |
| 5 |  | 478D34 | Song Sung Blue | 5 | Ft | Gemma Thornley(J) | Always thereabouts in this type of grade, but last won in Jan 2025. Odds. |
| 6 |  | 171642 | Munroe's Mate | 6 | Ft | ||
| 7 | | PX0002 | Slots | 7 | Ft | ||
| 8 | | X1113X | Jumal | 8 | Ft | Samantha Ottley | 2YO Male Pacer of the Year resuming as a 3YO. Big 2nd 11 Feb trials. Danger. |
| 9 |  | 411212 | The Lazarus Effect | 9 | Ft | Bob Butt | Handled steps up in class last season. Held off #8 at 11 Feb trials. Threat. |
| ---------------------------- Second Line ---------------------------- | |||||||
| 10 |  | 302425 | Bazooka | 10 | Ft | Blair Orange | Early mistake didn't help at Rangiora. Thereabouts prior though. Combos claims. |
| Best Bets: Jumal (8), The Lazarus Effect (9), Sonofamistery (3), Bazooka (10) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: The Lazarus Effect (1-54.0), Sonofamistery (1-55.3), Bazooka (1-55.9) [races less or equal 2000m] | |||||||
| Star Trialist: The Lazarus Effect - 1st of 2, N Cnty TOA, 11/02/26, 2000m Mobile, WnrsTime: 2-29.1, 800m: 56.5, 400m: 27.1, Margins: 1/2 head. | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 8
- Race Time:
FRED SHAW MEMORIAL NZ TROTTING CHAMPIONSHIP (MOBILE TROT) (Gr1)
$100,000, FFA, 2600m
For all trotters.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | 124138 | Nellie Doyle | 1 | Ft | Samantha Ottley | Mid-race mistake here 13 Feb. Coped well in Group race 30 Jan. Top 3/4. |
| 2 |  | 681967 | Father Time | 2 | Ft | Tim Williams | Weakened after trailing for last lap here 13 Feb. Needs to find a few lengths. |
| 3 | | 81X541 | George Eliot | 3 | Ft | Robbie Close | Dashing success last week in R46-60 company. Big step up, but can offer cheek. |
| 4 | | 020821 | Eurostyle | 4 | Ft | Kimberly Butt | Back at her best with 13 Feb win. Switch to mobile a big assist too. Keep onside |
| 5 |  | 182421 | Muscle Mountain | 5 | Ft | Ben Hope | Won for fun in the Summer FFA. Three-time winner of this race. Can make it #4. |
| 6 | | 329215 | Mr Love | 6 | Ft | Blair Orange | Entitled to tire here 13 Feb. Had Muscle Mountain's measure 19 Dec. Consider. |
| 7 | | 812153 | Bounce N Beyond | 7 | Ft | John Dunn | Dug in well for 3rd here 13 Feb. Holding her form well. Combos claims tonight. |
| 8 | | 573142 | Midnight Dash | 8 | Ft | Gemma Thornley(J) | Never gave up behind Eurostyle 13 Feb. Mobile & distance stats suit. Trifectas. |
| 9 | | 282565 | Bet N Win | 9 | Ft | Bob Butt | Not quite at his best in spring. Won this race last year. Worth a close look. |
| ---------------------------- Second Line ---------------------------- | |||||||
| 10 |  | 112441 | Moses | 10 | Ft | Sarah O'Reilly | In the form of his life, but gets no favours in the draw here. First4 fringes. |
| Best Bets: Muscle Mountain (5), Eurostyle (4), Bet N Win (9), Mr Love (6) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: Muscle Mountain (1-58.8), Midnight Dash (1-59.6), Bet N Win (2-00.6) [races between 2401m and 2799m] | |||||||
| Star Trialist: Bet N Win - 1st of 4, NZ Metro, 04/02/26, 2600m Stand , WnrsTime: 3-17.6, 800m: 60.0, 400m: 30.1, Margins: 3 1/2len, 13 3/4len, 38 1/2len. | |||||||
| Gear Changes: Bet N Win (9): BL-Off, George Eliot (3): BL-On Legend | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 9
- Race Time:
GOLD BAND TAXIS MOBILE PACE
$18,000, 3YO & OLDER R46 TO R50, 1980m
For R46 to R50 3yo-&-older pacers. Preferential Barrier Draw Based on: Rating then Winning Stakes using the track grid.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 728413 | Patiro | 1 | Ft | Seth Hill(J) | Backed up amateurs win with sharp 3rd 15 Feb. Draw helps. In the mix. |
| 2 | | 434613 | Topaz | 2 | Ft | Wilson House(J) | Caught the eye late last week from tough draw. Better options here. Combos. |
| 3 |  | 01X364 | Better Be Quick | 3 | Ft | John Dunn | Rattled home late here 13 Feb & gets best draw this time in. A genuine chance. |
| 4 | | 168687 | Matai Harry | 4 | Ft | Olivia Thornley | Midfield his lot since winning at Waterlea. Slight drop back in grade. First4s. |
| 5 |  | 131521 | Treacherous Dreams | 5 | Ft | Jonny Cox | Continues his graduation through the grades. Gate speed available. Danger. |
| 6 |  | 553046 | I'm Rockin | 6 | Ft | Robbie Close | Well backed over summer, but a win continues to be elusive. One more chance? |
| 7 | | 267934 | Bettor Be Sharp | 7 | Ft | Sarah O'Reilly | Back to his sprinting best here last week. Slides down the grades. Keep safe. |
| 8 |  | 435850 | Tempo Warrior | 8 | Ft | Blair Orange | Did it tough at Motukarara. Form has just tailed off though. Upset prospect. |
| 9 | | 212433 | The Coalman | 9 | Ft | Samantha Ottley | Gets into a winnable grade after staunch 3rd 13 Feb. Each way with right run. |
| ---------------------------- Second Line ---------------------------- | |||||||
| 10 |  | 707780 | Commander Joe | 10 | Ft | Sam Thornley | No peace after sitting outside the leader 13 Feb. Requires a confidence boost. |
| Best Bets: Treacherous Dreams (5), Better Be Quick (3), The Coalman (9), Bettor Be Sharp (7) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: Commander Joe (1-56.1), Topaz (1-56.6), Treacherous Dreams (1-57.3) [races less or equal 2000m] | |||||||
Runner Index
Always B Hayley - Race 3
American Tos - Race 3
Aspirational Dream - Race 4
Bazooka - Race 7
B D Hall - Race 4
Bet N Win - Race 8
Better Be Quick - Race 9
Bettor Be Sharp - Race 9
B J Hunnicutt - Race 1
Blue Collar - Race 2
Bounce N Beyond - Race 8
Brilliant Chase - Race 3
Bryce's Meddle - Race 7
Buffy Northstains - Race 4
Bullet - Race 2
Candy Cane - Race 5
Captain Kobe - Race 7
Cee Whata Mickee - Race 5
Commander Joe - Race 9
Cool For Cats - Race 1
Dancing N Heaven - Race 3
Desert Dancer - Race 5
Elegant Delight - Race 3
Eurostyle - Race 8
Father Mike - Race 4
Father Time - Race 8
Franco Josiah - Race 6
George Eliot - Race 8
Hawk Touie Louie - Race 1
Helius - Race 1
Helloveamoment - Race 6
Hoof It Hagrid - Race 4
I'm Rockin - Race 9
Jumal - Race 7
Kayleebelle - Race 2
Koko Kaboom - Race 4
Lap It Up - Race 2
Last Honours - Race 3
Lauzelle - Race 4
Lily's A Star - Race 5
Lorde Franco - Race 2
Major Li - Race 3
Matai Harry - Race 9
Midnight Dash - Race 8
Miki Magnificent - Race 3
Moses - Race 8
Mr Love - Race 8
Munroe's Mate - Race 7
Muscle Mountain - Race 8
Mysaria - Race 2
Nellie Doyle - Race 8
One El - Race 6
Paris Prince - Race 6
Patiro - Race 9
Petite Trixton - Race 4
Premium Player - Race 6
Rachmaninov - Race 6
Remission - Race 5
Rock Lobster - Race 4
Route Sixty Six - Race 5
Sacetas - Race 5
Sheep - Race 2
Showcase - Race 7
Slots - Race 7
Song Sung Blue - Race 7
Sonofamistery - Race 7
Stuarts Buller Boy - Race 2
Sunny Louis - Race 6
Sunsoutgunsout - Race 1
Swimming Poole - Race 5
Tempo Warrior - Race 9
The Coalman - Race 9
The Lazarus Effect - Race 7
T K Megastar - Race 4
Topaz - Race 9
Treacherous Dreams - Race 9
Tu Tangata - Race 4
Ukraine - Race 5
Vertigo - Race 6
Volare - Race 1
Which Way - Race 2
Wilma's Boy - Race 6
Zarlini - Race 5
Zoltan Boscik - Race 6