The ones to watch on Taylor Mile / ANZAC Cup night at Alexandra Park

by Brittany Graham

As we look forward to the Northern Lights Carnival amping up again this Friday at Alexandra Park, let’s look back on some of the sectional stars from the Night Of Champions at Cambridge who may be flying under the radar.
 
Kyvalley Ray - Race 8 (8.38pm) 

Despite his disqualification due to multiple mistakes, last year's two-year-old male trotter of the year was still sectionally impressive in his resumption. Recording the quickest last 1000, 800, 600, 400 and 200 metres, he did it all under his own steam out the back on his lonesome. The son of Bold Eagle will make his Alexandra Park debut in the 3YO NZB Standardbred Harness Million for $75,000 after winning the two-year-old version at Addington last year.
 
Wat Next - Race 3 (6.08pm)

The Nathan Purdon-trained filly will be third up when she faces the starter in the Caduceus Club ‘Bonus’ 3yo Fillies Mobile at Alexandra Park on Friday.
Chasing home Ripples and Smackdown in a semi-final of the Sires Stakes on April 10, she beat home many of her rivals following the fence. Clocking her own last quarter in 28 seconds flat, she was also the quickest last 1400, 1200 and 1000 metres of the contest.
 
Oscar Bonavena - Race 6 (7.40pm)

All indications are that we may only have a few more opportunities to see ‘Oscar’ on the racetrack, although his recorded sectionals out of the TAB Trot prove he still has that trademark speed. Of the Kiwi contingent who went around in the $530,000 feature, he was the sharpest across the majority of timings recorded. Trotting his last 800 metres in 55.7seconds and final 400 in 28.4 seconds, he ran fifth of the seven starters. An honourable mention must go out to Ya Rite Darl who was inconvenienced behind a tiring runner before recording the fastest last 200 metres of 14.12 seconds.

Swayzee - Race 7 (8.07pm) 

Leap To Fame's domination of The Race by Sport Nation was not only on the track but it was also on the clock, recording the quickest fractions at every marker. But with the champion Aussie heading home, the Northern spoils over the next three weeks are now available for the taking. The quickest last mile, outside of Larry, was recorded by his older brother Swayzee in 1.55.0. He also ran the second quickest last 800metres of 56.0, closely followed by We Walk By Faith in 56.2seconds. Swayzee savaged the line from last, cutting the corner to grab third and recording 28.3seconds as his own last quarter. The dual New Zealand Cup winner is better known for his staying prowess but will have to be at his sharpest when he makes his Alexandra Park debut in the Taylor Mile. Importantly for the first time since joining the Grimson stable, he will wear fixed blinds.

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