He's back - Marketplace's return to Addington

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

At microscopic odds in a small field, last year's champion three-year-old Marketplace makes his much-anticipated return at Addington tonight.

The Regan Todd-trained star will start off 10 metres in the Betavet Thanks Jack Harrington Handicap Pace (6.50pm) in his first race since beating arch rival Got The Chocolates in last November's Garrards New Zealand Pacing Derby.

'He's nice and bright," says Todd, "and while he's not totally screwed down we are there to win it."

"He goes well fresh and we have him as forward as we can have."

A winner of 11 of 21, Marketplace ($1.22FF) has also developed since his last race day appearance five months ago.

"He's got a lot taller and he's filled out," says Todd.

Just five starters will line up tonight with Marketplace's biggest rival expected to be stablemate and 12-race winner Mo'unga ($4.40).

"The other fella (Marketplace) is more advanced," says Todd, "I'd expect Mo'unga to benefit more from the race."

Both Marketplace and Mo'unga have been to the trials ahead of their resumption, the most recent being at Ashburton on April 14, though neither were overly extended.

While Marketplace has been building fitness ahead of his resumption, Got The Chocolates has sprinted out of the blocks to start his four-year-old campaign.

He's won three from three in 2026 and will race against the big guns including dual New Zealand Cup winner Swayzee in tonight's Dawson Harford Taylor Mile at Alexandra Park at 8.05pm.

While Got The Chocolates may stay up north for up-coming Group 1s as part of the Northern Lights Autumn Carnival - the Roy Purdon (May 1) and the New Zealand Messenger (May 8) - Marketplace will "not be going to Auckland," according to Todd.

He will stay in Canterbury and target the Group 2 Superstars Championship at Addington on May 8.

Todd will then consider a possible trip to  Brisbane for the $300,000 Group 1 Rising Sun as part of the Queensland Constellations Carnival.

So when will the two buzz four year-olds Marketplace and Got The Chocolates renew their rivalry?

"It will come," says Todd.

But just where and when is yet to be determined.

To see the field for Addington's field click here