Cambridge to kick start Northern Metro series

The first of the ever popular Northern Metro Series for 2025 has been confirmed for March.

The series, a key part of the Look North initiative to invigorate racing in the northern region, will kick off at Cambridge on Tuesday, March 4.

The heats will cater for R35 to R45 3YO and older trotters and pacers, and will be worth $8000 each.

The second round of heats will be held at Alexandra Park on Friday March 14, with the top four from each heat automatically qualifying for the $35,000 Final to be held on NZB Harness Million night on March 21.

The final will be limited to 12 runners. Should a horse win both a heat and the final the final will be penalty free.

The series is all about maximising the horse population in the north and rewarding loyalty for those connections who consistently front up to races.

Last year eight series of Heats and Finals were held over November and December with a variety of winners including Village Rebel, Always B Elite, Invisible, Joes Rock, Magic Dash and Kaipaki Jack.

The format was well received, with around $600,000 in stakes spread around the Silk Road Northern Series for the Fillies and Mares and the Northern Metro Series for the Pacers and Trotters.

Harness Million night at Alexandra Park on March 21 will feature the $200,000 NZB Standardbred Final for the 3YO Colts and Geldings and the $150,000 3YO Fillies Final.