NZ vs Aussie in Ashburton Invitational Drivers race

The Aussies are coming! New Zealand Trotting Cup week has got a new trans-Tasman twist.

An Invitation Drivers race was recently announced for Ashburton's "Emerging Talent" meeting during Cup week on Thursday, November 13.

But until now just who would be fronting up was not known.

Now the two line-ups have been confirmed and the race will be a Bledisloe Cup of harness racing.

Kiwi stars Blair Orange, Zachary Butcher, Sam Ottley, Carter Dalgety, Tim Williams and John Dunn will front up against six of Australia's best in Grant Dixon,  Cameron Hart, Angus Garrard, James Herbertson, Will Rixon and Nathan Jack.

Both line-ups, a who's who of trans-Tasman harness racing, are headlined by seven-time New Zealand champion Orange and Dixon and Hart who have become household names through the deeds of their superstars Leap To Fame and dual New Zealand Cup winner Swayzee.

Victorian-based Anthony Butt, a three-time New Zealand Cup winner, will also be home for Cup week and has been named on the bench for the Invitational race in case of any late withdrawals.

The race will be a $20,000 showdown for 4YO Mares (R35-44) over 1700 metres. It is Rating Penalty Free.

It will have a special commentator as well with the voice of Queensland racing Chris Barsby coming back to call the race among other commitments during the week.

All the visiting drivers will be available for outside drives during Cup week (November 10-15) apart from Will Rixon who's available on Cup day at Addington (Tuesday, November 11) and Ashburton (Thursday, November 13).

Anyone wanting to check on their availability should contact cameron@hrnz.co.nz