The return of last season’s star three-year-old Marketplace in the Betavet Thanks Jack Harrington Handicap Pace is an obvious highlight at Addington this Friday night. The star son of Bettor’s Delight is first up since winning the Garrard’s NZ Derby in November and will be having his first experience of a standing start. He has trialled from the stand and looked comfortable, albeit cautiously away, with his biggest threat likely to come from stablemate Mo’unga – one of two Regan Todd-trained runners in the field of six.
A former Kaikoura Cup winner, Mo’unga looked sharp in the same trial, is very proficient from a stand, and has won on a couple of occasions when fresh. He will be driven by regular pilot Robbie Close. Of their rivals, Ohoka Connor looks the biggest danger, working back into form after a long lay-off. He ran a terrific second behind Dreams Are Free at Winton less than two weeks ago and has an excellent record at Addington with five wins on the track.
The Gold Band Taxis Handicap Trot poses one question for punters – is 45 metres a bridge too far for Eurostyle? The 7-year-old mare has had a terrific campaign racing against the elite trotters, her only blemish being a late gallop in her most recent run. She normally makes a sharp beginning and holds a superior record over her rivals, making her one of the bets of the night.