Friday night at Addington is Winter Rewards Race Night – five $25,000 finals, all richly deserved by the horses that have been qualifying since 1 May. Here’s a look at each final and who we think holds the key:
Race 6 – Syncroflex Complete Winter Rewards Trot
Favouritism sits with 22-race winner Buffy Northstains, who reaches a remarkable milestone this week with her 200th career start. The Bruce Negus-trained 8YO mare was a winner over Chocta three starts back and hasn’t had everything go her way since, but she begins quickly and holds a favourable draw. Her biggest dangers look to be Alotoftrouble, a strong second two starts back behind subsequent Darren DeFilippi Memorial winner Kairaki Spur, and the talented Chester Gold, who appears close to another win for part owner, trainer, and driver Kyle Cameron.
Race 7 – The Mike Greer Homes Winter Rewards Mobile Pace
This is as open a race as you’ll find – even the bookmakers can’t split them, with half the field under double figures. Last-start winner Whyamihere (4) has drawn favourably but lacks early speed, while Ōkiwi Bay (6), Heaven (7), and Foliejon Star (8) are all likely to push forward from the start. Off the second row, five-race winners Dawn To Dark (12) and Auntie Deb (13) are both in good form, while the in-form Vincent Reactress needs a scratching to gain a start but would be dangerous if she gets in.
Race 8 – Dakins Waste Time To Trot Winter Rewards
A terrific contest with no fewer than six runners having won their last start. Tact Teva (14) and Scrunch (15) are the standouts, each having won three of their last four starts with four wins apiece at Addington. Tact Teva was outstanding last week despite an early gallop, while Scrunch put in a commanding performance a week earlier, leading throughout against a strong field. Both draw off the second row under the preferential draw system, but face genuine threats from autumn/winter find Mostert (11), back-to-back Addington winner Bryce’s Meddle (12), and the talented mare Joyride (13). Off the front, last-start winner Irish Dream (4) has sharp early speed and looks the most progressive of those drawn closer.
Race 9 – TK Plastering Winter Rewards
Darren DeFilippi Memorial winner Kairaki Spur (1) looks beautifully placed to back up last week’s win, having accounted for race rival Almighty in convincing fashion. Ricky May retains the drive and, with the gelding generally well-mannered in running, should find himself in familiar territory. Almighty deserves plenty of respect after a brave second, Waihemo Hannah (6) welcomes John Dunn back in the sulky this week, and Ridge (7) arrives on the back of two consecutive wins and must not be overlooked.
Race 11 – Gold Band Taxis Winter Rewards
The heavily backed Bettor Than Lizzy (12) drops back considerably in grade this week and looks the one to beat in the final race of the night. The Cran and Chrissie Dalgety-trained 4YO mare was only three lengths off Bryce’s Meddle last week, returns to the mobile where she has won all of her races, and has two previous wins at Addington to her name. Her most serious rival looks to be the ultra-consistent Taumutu Lad (10), who draws one-out on the second row but is the type to find his way into the finish given an even run. That pair look to hold a fair margin over the rest of the field.
All in all, it’s shaping up to be one of the best race nights of the winter – a deep, form-packed card that rewards the horses who have been turning up week after week. They’ve earned their place in these finals, and we can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Good luck to all!