Racing: Cambridge bosses keen to keep clasp on Jewels day

I Can Doosit could have several juicy plums to pick next season. Photo / Dean Purcell

Cambridge harness bosses say the $1.2 million Jewels raceday belongs in Waikato - at least every second year.

And they expect a huge meeting in nine days to back their claims to be the northern base for the glamour day.

HRNZ chief executive Edward Rennell has said almost all aspects of the Jewels, including the hosting venues, will be discussed after this season's series as part of a forum to see what can be improved.

But while Cambridge general manager Kerry Wells welcomes such transparency, he is adamant his club and region wants the series to stay.

"It has been great for us and we love it," said Wells.

"It has been profitable and we are keen to run it again and again.

"I think if HRNZ are keen to rotate the series between the two islands and not involve the two major tracks [Addington and Alexandra Park] then we are the logical northern host.

"And I think people will see next week there is still a real buzz about it here." Wells says dining packages at the elite members stand top level are all but sold out as are those in the main marquee.

"And the function in the middle of the main stand is half sold and that tends to attract a lot of sales in the last 10 days, so overall function sales will be very similar to two years ago."

Wells says there has been good interest from Australia, boosted by Mustang Mach and Scandalman coming to Jewels Day, as well as plenty of southerners ringing to make bookings.

"I think a crowd of 3000 is realistic but it could be bigger than that depending on the weather.

"All outdoor sports are reliant on weather these days but there is a great feel around the place and we are getting plenty of coverage locally."

This year's Jewels fields could provide a betting bonanza as for once, pre-draw anyway, they don't contain too many redhot favourites.

And some of the big names are likely to be at Cambridge on Sunday when the club runs the final workouts before the big day.

"We moved the workouts from Saturday to Sunday so we can run our Schools Education day.

"We used to have that at the Tuesday meeting before the Jewels but of course we don't have that meeting any more.

"So we will have around 300 school kids here on Sunday and plenty of visiting horses to have a look at the track before the big day."

Betting on Jewels markets have virtually stalled with most serious punters waiting until the barrier draws are made at noon tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Pukekohe mare Bettor Cover Lover has opened the $2.80 favourite for the A$100,000 Queen of the Pacific at Melton, outside Melbourne, tomorrow night.

Bettor Cover Lover is returning to the track where she won the Victoria Oaks last season, just hours before a transportation accident that almost cost her her life.

She faces a 10m handicap in the group one race but is favoured by the Australian TAB bookies over local heroine Make Mine Cullen.