Just four heats left in Canterbury Plains Challenge

With four heats remaining, six horses have so far automatically qualified for the first ever $30,000 Canterbury Plains Series Final at Addington on May 17.

Courage Reactor and Ned Kelly were the latest to make the cut, after winning the fifth and sixth heats at Rangiora on Sunday.

They join previous heat winners Krystal Delight (Ashburton, April 19), Foveaux Gambler (Addington, April 11), Amelia Rose (Methven, April 14) and Itz Magical Meg (Addington, April 18).

"We have had an encouraging response to the series so far," says HRNZ Handicapper Andrew Morris, "there have been even fields with some very competitive racing."

"And the general feedback is that the concept is having a positive impact."

All heat winners automatically qualify for the final, as long as they have had a minimum of two totalisator race starts during the qualification period, April 11 - May 12. The next heat is at Addington tomorrow (Wednesday).

The final will be worth $30,000 and limited to 14 starters.

The series, contested over 10 heats, is designed for 5YO and older pacers rated R35 to R39. Each heat is worth $12,500 and run as Preferential Barrier Draw based on earnings in the last five starts.

Points are won as follows :
Second Place – 7 points
Third - 5 points
Fourth - 3 points
Fifth – 2 points
All other starters 1 point.

In the event there is a tie for any position, a countback will be conducted.

The remaining heats are :

May 1 Addington
May 5 Rangiora
May 8 Addington
May 12 Ashburton

Final :
May 17 Addington

Consolation Final :
May 19 Rangiora

To see the leaderboard click here