KEY POINTS:
North American racing comes to Ashburton today.
That is the best way to describe what should unfold at the inaugural Harness Jewels meeting, where $1.5 million will be divided up among the fastest and the fittest.
Particularly the fittest.
While New Zealand harness racing often follows a pattern of sprint for early positions, sit, then sprint home again, today's meeting should be different.
Most of those chasing the huge stakes are at the end of long seasons and their drivers have no reason to hold back.
That, coupled with the all-mile racing format and the fact so many favoured runners have bad draws, should guarantee a lot of early pressure and horses moving forward three wide almost continually in some races.
That pressure should ensure that the equine cream rises to the top as record times in most age groups are possible providing the track is dry.
With so many superstars on display, it is hard to pick the best bet but the most likely two winners are One Dream and Monkey King.
One Dream (R3, No.4) is probably the one horse all day good enough to sit parked and still win. But she probably won't have to as she should lead and then only those close to her at the halfway point will have a place chance.
Best of those should be Belletti (1), Everlaughing Life (10), who could be three deep, Ohoka Moon (2), Running On Faith (9) and Suvarno Hanover (3).
Monkey King (R5, No.2) should lead and win as he has hit peak form while many in this race look tired or outclassed.
If the pace is on Divisive (10) might get a chance but he may simply be giving the winner too big a start starting the slightly-downhill home straight.
Those looking to start the day off on the right note need look no further than Bachelorette (R1, No.9), even from her wide draw.
She has been perfectly prepared by Dave Kaa and, from a handy draw, would be a near certainty. As it is, she will have to work but will love the big track and anything over $2.50 will be good money for her.
Look for Cruzee Lass (1) to be the each-way danger with the aid of the passing lane.
The 2-year-old trot sees key contenders Petite Sunrise (R2, No.9) and Jacanti Franco (11) draw awkwardly, with the latter adverse to having grit thrown in her face.
If she can squeeze through early from the second line, she represents some of the best fixed odds value all day in a race with few chances, the next best being Real Deal Yankee (3).
The 3-year-old trot is even with King Charlie (R4, No.9) no good thing from the wide draw.
If he could lead without burning too much, he is the one to beat but that is doubtful so Sun Lad (2), Gold Star (7) and Springbank Richard (12) represent better value.
Still, that is a race in which anything could happen.
Another under the odds is Susie Maguire (R6, No.9) as she faces some class fillies and is likely to cover more ground than most of them.
With her gate speed, Lizzie Maguire (3) gets her chance at her first big win while Exotic Lover (13) has a tremendous amount of X-factor and along with Itz Cherry Ripe (12) gives the second line horses a strong hope. Trifecta takers should not leave out So Deep (6) at big odds.
Houdini Star (R7, No.1) looks set to lead or trail so is the one to beat in the 4-year-old trot but Galleons Assassin (11) seems one of the best place bets of the day and could upset if the leaders go silly. Smart Seeker (4), Stig (3) and Awesome Imace (12) are all trifecta hopes.
The 2-year-old pace should be won by a Mark Purdon runner, with Ohoka Arizona (8) maybe just tougher than Fiery Falcon (7) but if there is to be a blowout then Mattnamaras Band (12) coming off a hot pace with a three-wide trail could stun. The one under the odds on the fixed markets is Sound Of Thunder (6), simply because of inexperience.
The best may be saved for last with Changeover (R9, No.9) trying to cap his amazing season with one more step towards greatness.
With any luck Montecito (7) will make him work for it while Gotta Go Cullen (10), Days Of Courage (6) and Rocket Reign (1) are all trifecta hopes.
