KEY POINTS:
Harness racing bosses are thrilled by the initial reaction to Tuesday afternoon racing.
And the move to Addington today for a New Zealand Metropolitan meeting should only see support grow.
Harness racing started regular Tuesday racing two weeks ago, with the meetings an ideal opportunity for horses who may struggle to win at bigger meetings later in the week.
The Tuesday fixtures also provide racing product to be exported offshore as part of the New Zealand Racing Board's internationalisation programme.
Harness Racing New Zealand boss Edward Rennell said: "The turnover in Australia has been great.
"That is money that goes back into the industry here, so from that perspective we are very happy.
"We know Australian turnovers have been boosted by EI restricting their racing, but it is still something punters have to get used to."
Rennell was also pleased New Zealand turnovers were already above budget, especially as the first Tuesday meeting, at Alexandra Park, attracted very small fields.
While last Tuesday's Cambridge meeting was solidly supported, the South Island is expected to be a better vehicle because of the higher horse population.
That is evidenced by today's programme, which has attracted full fields, albeit with a reduced starting capacity of 10 per race.
While there are few stand-out bets, one early fancy dropping sharply in grade is Bright Diedre in race four.
She looks too classy, even from her 20m handicap.
- NZPA
