Racing: Confidence still high for Cup bid

Alta Serena could join the others. Picture / Martin Sykes

The confused start to the open class pacing season hasn't dented too many trainers' confidence levels judging by the contents of a plane that landed in Melbourne last night.

Because while our elite pacing ranks are the weakest they have been for a decade there is a good chance five Kiwi pacers could take on Australia's best in the A$300,000 ($314,000) Victoria Cup in 12 days.

The unexpected invasion on the Victorian summer carnivals has already started, with Winforu and Mister D G filling the placing behind Robin Hood in Saturday night's A$50,000 Cranbourne Cup.

And they will get some back-up with the arrival of London Legend and Harnetts Creek, while New Zealand Cup runner-up Alta Serena is also likely to make a lightning trip to Melbourne for next week's group one feature.

Also on the plane from Christchurch last night were open class trotting stablemates Allegro Agitato and Jasmyn's Gift, who will be aimed at the Bill Collins Mile and Australasian Trotting Grand Prix over the next fortnight.

Jasmyn's Gift will then stay in Victoria and be set for the trotting Interdoms in February while Allegro Agitato will contest the mobile trots in the north over the holiday period.

"We are thrilled with the response because we understand trainers have so many options at this time of the year," said Harness Racing Victoria spokesman Shaun Kelly.

"We love having the best Kiwi horses over here and even though the open class horses are pretty even at the moment we know they won't go home without a cheque."

While Victoria has become the favourite hunting ground of New Zealand harness trainers in the last decade it is still surprising so many are keen to take on the Australians after our older open class pacers were towelled by Mainland Banner in the New Zealand Cup.

Add to that the retirement of Elsu, and injury of Sly Flyin, and our chances of group one success in Australia look considerably lower than they usually do.

But aiding the New Zealand cause is the lack of depth among Australia's best pacers as well, with two of their best, It Is I and Sokyola, injured late last week.

It Is I, regarded as the best newcomer to open class in Victoria, has a slight tendon tear that will keep him away from the track until at least the Interdominions in March while Sokyola is also suffering from tendon trouble.

The veteran warrior, winner of two Miracle Miles and last season's Victoria Cup, was scratched from the Cranbourne Cup and is also unlikely to race until at least February.

That means the Australians are left with just Be Good Johnny, Slipnslide and Robin Hood as genuine open class stars, with few back-up options.

With those three guaranteed starts in the Victoria Cup there should also be no doubt over Winforu, Mister D G, London Legend and Alta Serena getting a run.

Harnetts Creek would be on the cusp but has won two open class races this season and will start at Moonee Valley on Saturday night in an attempt to qualify.

Alta Serena's trip is not certain but co-trainer John Green is warming to the idea after suitable travel arrangements were finalised.

"It looks like we can fly in next week and then fly out the day after the race," said Green.

"That would mean she could be back in Auckland in plenty of time for the mares' race at Alexandra Park on December 23 and then the Auckland Cup."

Alta Serena and Mi Muchacho will open as the Auckland Cup favourites today around the $5.50 mark, with Howard Bromac, Bobs Blue Boy and Just An Excuse at $7.

Pay Me Christian is the early favourite for the Great Northern Derby on Friday week, ahead of Jays Debut and Ambro The Thug.

Aussie bound

* A plane load of New Zealand's standardbred talent flew into Melbourne last night.

* Among them were London Legend, Harnetts Creek, Allegro Agitato and Jasmyn's Gift.

* New Zealand Cup runner-up Alta Serena could join them next week.

* The lack of depth in the Australian open class ranks means up to five New Zealand pacers could get a star in the Victoria Cup.