Racing: Burnaholeinmypocket seeks more money to spend

Victorian 3-year-old pacer Burnaholeinmypocket earned his invitation to the May 30 meeting at Ashburton with a brave second to Follow The Stars at Kilmore on Saturday night. Photo / Thinkstock

The Australian assault on the Harness Jewels has grown to five.

That number has Harness Racing New Zealand bosses beaming as they look to extend the reach of the $1.2 million day into Australia.

Victorian 3-year-old pacer Burnaholeinmypocket earned his invitation to the May 30 meeting at Ashburton with a brave second to Follow The Stars at Kilmore on Saturday night.

The vastly improved young pacer showed gate speed before trailing and sticking on well, convincing trainer Andy Gath the Jewels trip was worthwhile. "We had heard a whisper we might get an invite and we were keen because he has improved so much lately," says Gath.

"But we also learned a few years ago when we took Caribbean Blaster to the New Zealand Cup Carnival how travel and racing at that level can really make a horse.

"So we are thrilled to get the invite, even if it means taking on Have Faith In Me."

Burnaholeinmypocket joins fellow Victorian pacers Just Cala, who was second to champion mare Frith at Melton on Friday, Victorian Oaks placegetter Glenferrie Bronte, former Kiwi 4-year-old Messini and NSW juvenile Salty Robyn as the Jewels' invited runner from Australia.

Last season, the first in which Australian invitations were issued, no horses made the trip and the Jewels meeting, while huge in New Zealand, has lost some momentum in the minds of the Australian betting public.

The five representatives this season, plus some spirited debate over who should and shouldn't receive those invitations, has already ensured that awareness of this season's Jewels is far greater in Australia.

While the Australians are guaranteed their spots, local horses on the cusp of qualifying face a crucial weekend, with stakes earned until Sunday night counting towards qualification.

Up to 70 of the likely Jewels candidates could be in play this weekend, where the major meeting is the Addington premier one on Friday night, highlighted by the NZ Oaks, Sires' Stakes Final for juvenile pacers and Sales Series Trot for 3-year-olds.

Meanwhile, markets for the three juvenile divisions of the Jewels will be released by the TAB tomorrow, with male pacing star Waikiki Beach the most notable absentee as he is staying in Australia to concentrate on their feature races.