Racing: Derby raiders start mission early

New Zealand punters will get an earlier-than-expected look at the Australian raiders on the $400,000 Woodlands Derby.

Victoria Derby winner Sushi Sushi and runner-up Excel Stride have both been confirmed for the preludes of the Derby at Alexandra Park on March 4 but will make their first New Zealand appearances a week earlier.

The connections of both 3-year-olds will take the opportunity to get some valuable experience on the right-handed track next week when they either race or trial.

The connections of Sushi Sushi say they can't wait to get to Auckland.

"We really believe in this horse and we can't wait to get across there and take the New Zealanders on," said trainer Freddy Taiba.

Sushi Sushi will travel across from Melbourne this weekend and could start or at least trial at Alexandra Park next week.

NSW pacer Excel Stride is scheduled to start in a two-three win race next week.

Confirmation that Sushi Sushi will start in the Derby series could well be enough to see him tighten from $4.50 second favouritism into outright favourite for the classic, especially with his connections - in true Australian style - not scared to have a bet.

The Derby has been strengthened further with Royal Verdict, who started favourite in the Victoria Derby but over-raced, being a late nomination.

He won the Australasian Breeders Crown, beating Sushi Sushi, and entered the market at $9.

One of the other favourites for the Derby, Terror To Love, will also warm up for the series by taking on older horses.

The national 2200m mobile record holder clashes with Interdominion contenders Mach Banner, Lightning Raider and Captain Peacock over 1950m at Addington on Thursday night, a meeting which was originally under threat because of small nomination numbers but has now attracted 10 races.

Northern reinsman Jay Abernethy says he will appeal one of the largest race driving fines in New Zealand harness history.

Abernethy was fined $3000, almost more than the winning stake of the race, after the maiden trot at Stratford on Sunday.

He admitted accidentally allowing trotter Major Seelster to pace for the first 1800m of the race, before easing it out of the event and into a trot.

He also had his horseman's licence suspended until March 3, meaning he will be back driving in time for the Auckland Cup meeting.

While Abernethy was embarrassed by the incident, the $3000 fine will stagger many fellow drivers after similar occurrences in recent years have attracted significantly more lenient punishments.

"It wasn't like I did it on purpose," Abernethy told the Herald. "It was an honest mistake and he is a horse with a funny action in behind so it was hard to tell.

"But I am going to appeal it because the amount really shocked me."

Swedish trotting mare Annicka will start her Interdominion preparations on Sunday.

The former Swedish Oaks winner has spent the past 10 days in quarantine in South Auckland but comes out on Sunday and will move to an Ardmore stable.

She will then start a work programme aimed at racing at least once before the Interdominions, which start on March 25.

Annicka was initially going to make her New Zealand debut at Alexandra Park on cup night but is now likely to head to Addington instead.

She is surprisingly short at $8 in the markets for the Interdominions.

EARLY AUSSIES

* The two leading Australian raiders for the $400,000 Woodlands Derby are coming to Auckland early.
* They could appear at Alexandra Park on Friday week.
* Northern driver Jay Abernethy is handed a huge fine after a minor race.
* Swedish Interdominion contender Annicka comes out of quarantine this Sunday.