Got The Chocolates vs Jumal at Addington

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

While Cambridge takes centre stage, and rightly so, with its Night of Champions, Addington has a must see Friday night blockbuster on as well.

Two of the country's buzz pacers Jumal and Got The Chocolates will clash for the first time in Race 7, the Shenan de Silva at Corcoran French Mobile Pace (8.38pm).

"They are certainly two of the most exciting horses in the country and in a small field it promises to be very tactical," says Tim Williams, who's got the call up to drive Got The Chocolates with regular driver John Dunn busy up north.

He's never driven the Robert and Jenna Dunn-trained Art Major four-year-old before but knows first hand just how good he is.

"I've seen a lot of his backside from being behind him with Bettors Anvil," says Williams.

In 2025 Bettors Anvil chased arch rivals Got The Chocolates and Marketplace on many occasions, including a third behind the star pair in the New Zealand Pacing Derby last November. 

In 2026 Got The Chocolates has returned as a four-year-old with two dominating performances at  Addington including a new New Zealand record on March 20.

"He has obviously come back great with two very good runs," says Williams. 

With a career record of nine from 10, including three wins this year, the Steven Reid-trained Jumal, last year's champion 2YO, is also being talked about as a future superstar.

Both opened at very similar odds - $1.90 for Jumal and $1.80 for Got The Chocolates but the flow of money have since gone Got the Chocolates' way. He is now into $1.40.

It's an intriguing contest despite there being just five starters.

Potentially, Williams is in for a huge night.

As well as Got The Chocolates he has six other drives - a number of good each way chances, with Caught The Eye, I'm Connected, Macho Man and Stumpy Blackler among them. 

Caught The Eye is fresh up though did finish second in a trial on March 24 to subsequent race winner Cath.

"It was a nice trial and she's very honest," says Williams, "She is a good each way chance and one to follow."

She'll line up in Race 3, the Woodlands Stud Mobile Pace (6.32pm). 

Then I'm Connected, an impressive winner on debut, will line up for the Dunns in Race 4, the Michael Bendall at Corcoran French Mobile Trot (7.04pm).

After winning on March 13 at Addington the Classic Connection three-year-old  made a mistake a fortnight later to gallop out of contention.

"I have driven him at the trials - he's a very nice horse and I know they (the Dunns) have a high opinion of him."

"He is big on ability but lacks ringcraft."

I'm Connected is likely to start second favourite behind the Bob Butt-trained and driven Dynasty who's gunning for three wins on end. 

Macho Man for trainer Kevin Townley is another good prospect in Race 8, the Stevie and Maree For Your Real Estate Needs Trot (9.08pm). 

Though just a one-race winner the Muscle Mass five-year-old has also had 17 placings in 25 lifetime starts.

"His formline says it all," says Williams, "he's knocking on the door for sure."

Williams' night will finish up with another good chance in the consistent Stumpy Blackler in Race 9, the Gold Band Taxis Mobile Pace (9.38pm).

"He's an improver and his last start second (at Addington on March 27) was full of merit," says Williams.

Tim Williams' drives :

Race 2 - Donovan - $3.40
Race 3 - Caught The Eye - $4.60
Race 4 - I'm Connected - $4.50
Race 5 - Lous Pinup Girl - $35
Race 7 - Got The Chocolates - $1.50
Race 8 - Macho Man - $2.80
Race 9 - Stumpy Blackler - $3.20

(Odds were correct at the time. For latest prices go to tab.co.nz)

In what will be a massive Friday Night Lights, Addington's nine race meeting gets underway at 5.33pm, with the first of Cambridge's 10 races starting at 4.49pm.