Defections from All Stars team

By Michael Guerin

The All Stars' massive team for the upcoming age group features at Alexandra Park has lost a few members.

But that could still see them with seven reps in the $140,000 Sires’ Stakes Final to take on Krug on Friday week.

The race is actually the two-year-old final delayed from last May because of Covid-19 ,as it the first running of a Harness Millions to be run with much the same field the following week.

The All Stars attack is headlined by second favourite It’s All About Faith, who could even start favourite if he draws the front line and Krug is forced to start off the second line.

But stablemates Pace N Pride, Shan Noble and First Class are among those who won’t be there.

“First Class had a few issues but we got them checked out and he seemed fine then today (Wednesday) we think he had a minor colic attack,” said Mark Purdon.

“So he definitely won’t be there next week while Shan Noble has had 10 days off and will be set for the three-year-old Sires’ Stakes heats down here.”

But joining It’s All About Faith in the truck north today was Rock Legend and that pair will join Bettor Call Me, Nevada, Stag Party , Delightful Dude and possibly even Aladdin in the Sires’ Stakes, with several of those ranked highly now confirmed not to start.

Meanwhile the stable’s forgotten superstar Spankem pleased Purdon at the Rangiora workouts on Wednesday pacing 2:28.6 for the 2000m mobile and his last 800m in 56.5 in his second workout back since a suspected hairline fracture in a leg ruled him out of last season after he finished second in the New Zealand Cup.

“He has come up really well and having been on the water walker at Matamata for much of the winter he is quite forward,” said Purdon.

“So he will head to Oamaru fresh up next Sunday for the Hannon.” Purdon has re-affirmed the fact Inter Dominion champion Ultimate Sniper won’t be heading to the IRT New Zealand Cup and won’t even be nominated.