KEY POINTS:
The next wave of trotting's new generation could arrive at Addington tonight.
That is when exceptional 4-year-old Houdini Star makes his open class debut, taking on two of the queens of trotting, Some Direction and Allegro Agitato.
For the last two years New Zealand trotting has struggled to find a consistent open class superstar, with Delft, Allegro Agitato and Pompallier all having moments of brilliance laced with injury, manners or form woes.
With those trotters all coming towards the end of their careers a new crop of open class stars is needed and that charge was led by One Over Kenny in Melbourne last month.
She could be about to be joined by Houdini Star, even though his foray into open class will be brief.
Last season's champion 3-year-old will have just tonight's $20,000 trot and possibly a mobile free-for-all next Friday on his open class schedule this season but not because trainer John Hay thinks he isn't good enough to beat the older trotters.
"I am sure he is up to them because every time in his career I have asked him to take the next step he has," said Hay.
"But with the Harness Jewels in June he can race for big money against his own age group so I don't have to rush him into the top grade.
"I was thinking about the Rowe Cup but that all changed when they announced the Harness Jewels."
While Houdini Star's season is aimed at the Jewels on June 2 he has looked very good in both his starts so far this campaign, thrashing some race-hardened opponents last start.
"He was only 80 per cent fit when he won fresh up and improved a lot to win last time," said Hay.
"But he has improved just as much this time.
"I know it is a big step up again but I think he is as good as these horses.
"The only thing is they have been there and done that while we are just trying to do it for the first time.
"But class can overcome a lot of things and he has real class."
Houdini Star also has a 20m headstart over his two biggest dangers, ensuring bookmakers will open him favourite in the final field fixed odds which will be available on every race at Addington tonight.
Hay also warns punters to save a dollar for his other stable reps tonight, Announcement and Bon Ton Boy.
"If Announcement gets into the first race he is going to be hard to beat because he finally gets a good draw.
"And I rate Bon Ton Boy a chance in his race.
"He was tied up last start but I am getting a blood test done and he won't be starting unless he is better. If he is then I think he can win."
