Racing: Stormont's chance to join elite 1000 club

The World Drivers Championships and a premier night at Addington could combine to earn James Stormont membership into an elite club.

Stormont goes into tonight's Alexandra Park meeting on the verge of becoming just the 18th reinsman to drive 1000 winners in New Zealand.

He started last night's Cambridge meeting on 998 wins and if he didn't reach the milestone last night he should tonight.

Stormont has several winning chances early tonight, including Vern's Girl from the Gareth Dixon stable as Dixon's stable driver Peter Ferguson is in Norway at the World Driving Championships.

The pick-up drive along with the fact some big-name northern drivers will ply their trade at Addington means the often under-utilised Stormont gets a perfect chance to breach the 1000-win mark.

"It is great to get some good drives for Gareth but my best chance is still Eyecatcher Courage [race two]," says Stormont.

"She didn't have much luck last week and she needs another big run tonight to guarantee her spot in the Harness Jewels."

Eyecatcher Courage had to sit parked in a similar field last Friday but fought hard up the straight and looks the one to beat tonight.

Vern's Girl cost herself and punters by galloping after 700m last Friday but her performance at her previous start was enormous and if she trots throughout she should win.

The feature of the night should see Ohoka Dallas continue on his winning way in the $30,000 Pak'n Save Kumeu Stakes.

He nearly caused the upset of the season by running down Auckland Reactor last start and comes in beautifully tonight so it is hard to see him beaten.

The main trot brings together established stars like grand mare Our Sunny Whiz and durable veteran Genius against up and comers Real Deal Yankee and Pasi in a race which should be decided by the tempo.