Racing: Jack’s back but so is his bad luck

Jack Cade has overcome so many obstacles just to make the Auckland Trotting Cup field he didn't really deserve his latest one.

The former New Zealand Derby winner has fought his way back from two possibly career-ending injuries to be rated third favourite for Friday night's $250,000 classic at Alexandra Park but, just when things were looking up for the gelding, Lady Luck kicked him in the shins again.

After his courageous win in last Thursday's Summer Cup, Jack Cade only had to draw handily to be the likely leader.

Instead he drew the worst barrier, one on the second line. While he follows out fast beginner Howard Bromac the draw effectively ruins any chance he has of stepping to the front and making the favourites Elsu and Just An Excuse work hard from their handicaps.

"That is a dreadful result," said his trainer-driver Mark Purdon.

"I was looking forward to him starting off the front line because he begins so well and if he could have led he would have been very hard to beat.

"I suppose theoretically he could still work his way to the lead but I much would have preferred a front-line draw."

Purdon says Jack Cade has come through last Thursday's race well, with the leg problems which have ruined his career kept at bay by his beach training regime.

Jack Cade has been worked on the beach by Waiuku couple Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett and Purdon will head to their stables this morning to drive Jack Cade in his workout.

"It won't be anything too serious but at this stage everything is on track, apart from the draw."

Jack Cade remained at $6 after yesterday's draw, indicating he would have probably moved into second favouritism had he drawn well.

The Auckland Trotting Club was left with an embarrassment of riches when it came time to select the field, deciding to ballot out the pacers who quinellaed last season's Thames Cup, Eagles Together and Bobs Blue Boy.

The field is the strongest in any New Zealand harness race this season, with the first five home in the New Zealand Cup - Just An Excuse, Elsu, Howard Bromac, Mister D G and Harnett's Creek - joined by group one winners Jack Cade, Sly Flyin, Gracious Knight, Light And Sound and Winforu.

Even allowing for that depth Elsu is still a $2.65 favourite to defend the title he won over Just An Excuse last season.

"The punters love Elsu and we were impressed by his run last Thursday so there was never any doubt he was going to be the favourite," said TAB bookie Paul Lally.

Just An Excuse is still good value at $5.50 and Mister D G has moved out to $8 after not having raced since his third in the Treuer Memorial at Bankstown on December 4.

The biggest mover yesterday was Harnetts Creek, who came in from $18 to $10 after drawing well, giving him the chance of reaching his favoured pacemaking position.

The other two highlights of Friday night's meeting will now have hot favourites, with Lyell Creek drawing barrier two in the $50,000 National Trot and Baileys Dream drawing the ace in the $200,000 PGG Sales Series Pace.

That saw Lyell Creek move in to $1.75 favouritism for what would be his third group one win in the last seven weeks.