A capacity field of 15 plus two emergencies have made the final acceptance for the $350,000 New Zealand Trotting Cup next Tuesday.
Tartan Lady was declared the first emergency, and Stars And Stripes, who failed by one win to qualify for the final starting line-up, was declared the second emergency yesterday.
The barrier draw for the 3200m feature will be held today.
New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's racing manager Tony Lye said it was considered appropriate to have emergencies but said there was a question mark over at least one acceptor, The Tough Nut.
"We still have a week to go. The Tough Nut is fit and ready to go again, but like with a common cold, there is a slight chance it could resurface," he said.
North Canterbury trainer Laurence Hanrahan confirmed The Tough Nut had improved since picking up a virus last week.
Hanrahan said a final decision would be made after the Methven trials on Saturday.
Australian horses Zyuganov Leis and Breeny's Fella arrived in Christchurch in terrific order yesterday in the care of their respective handlers, Geoff Martin and Craig Demmler.
"Bomber (Zyuganov Leis) travelled beautiful. I'm more tired than he is," Martin said.
Martin said he was very happy with the Kilmore Cup winner, and was just trying to keep him at the same fitness level for the New Zealand Cup.
Breeny's Fella, like Zyuganov Leis, a seasoned traveller, also looked bright, according to Demmler, after arriving at Jeff and Tracey Whittaker's Wigram Lodge stables.
Demmler said this year's New Zealand Cup had an even look to it, and every horse was probably as good as one each other.
Much would depend on luck in the running, and Demmler said he would be looking for luck off 10m.
- NZPA
Racing: Capacity field for NZ Trotting Cup
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