Poutama out of the blocks quick in 2026

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

In his own words Andre Poutama's 2026 has started with "a hiss and a roar" and it could go to a new level at Alexandra Park this Friday.

The 11-race programme features two $100,000 Young Guns Group 1s, three Group 2s as well as the Harness Million Finals as the Northern Lights Autumn Carnival ramps up a gear.

The Pukekohe-based Poutama has two key drives for trainer Nathan Purdon. He works at Purdon's barn first thing before tending to his own small team in the afternoons. And that's opened up some good driving opportunities.

"Mark (Purdon) has first option but he's not driving then I get the call up," says Poutama.

He'll team up with Shezsofast ($6FF) who is fresh up in the $150,000 NZB Standardbred Harness Million 3YO Fillies Final (6.36pm). Last September Poutama grabbed Group 1 honours with the Vincent filly in the Caduceus Club 2YO Fillies Classic.

She's drawn one the second line behind the well-favoured War Cry.   

He'll then drive Coal Fire in Race 9, the Group 1 $100,000 Breckon Farms Cardigan Bay Stakes for the 2YO Colts and Geldings (8.39pm). A winner of two from three starts, he's drawn eight with the unbeaten Tour Party at five.

The Cran and Chrissie Dalgety-trained Tour Party is two from two and has opened a $1.25 favourite with Coal Fire at $4.80.  

Poutama has had a brilliant start to the year with 26 wins so far, after recording a personal best 59 in 2025.

He's currently third in the drivers' premiership behind eight-time champion Blair Orange (36) and John Dunn (30).

"It's been going great .... I had a plan to try and get 30 winners by April so I've only got four more to go," says Poutama.

Always willing to travel for a drive, Poutama has won at Manawatu, Auckland, Cambridge and Hawera.

"Palmy has been really good to me," says Poutama.

He's had 13 wins there this year including four winners a week ago (March 10).

And there's been one particular stand-out "Palmy" performer.

"I've been rapt with Melton Mogul. I tipped him once when he was paying $56 and now he's had nine wins."

"He just keeps on going."

Friday's big night starts at 4.42pm.

There is quality throughout the night with the super impressive Jumal opening a $1.12 favourite in the $200,000 NZB Standardbred Harness Million 3YO Colts and Geldings Final (9.07pm).

In the $100,000 Young Guns 2YO Fillies Final - the Gallagher Delightful Lady Classic (7.34pm) - Daisy Bay has drawn one and is at $4 after her debut win while the early favourite is the Nathan Purdon-trained Lady Di, to be driven by Mark. They were last start winners at Alexandra Park last month.   

The Lazarus Effect is the top pick in the Auckland Co-op Taxis City of Auckland Free For All (8.04pm) at $3 after drawing well at two, with Republican Party at $3.90 and Merlin at $4 while in the night's big trot, the $60,000 Lyell Creek Stakes Belle Neige is gunning for three wins in a row.

She has drawn one ($3.40) with Oscar Bonavena just outside her ($3.90) and  Hillbilly Blues at four ($3.70).

And in the $50,000 Magness Benrow Sires' Stakes Northern Mares Classic (6.09pm) Princess Gracy is at $1.90 for trainer-driver Zachary Butcher after drawing ideally at three. 

To see the fields for Harness Million & Young Guns Finals night click here