Racing: Champ loses her way but finds the line

Mainland Banner may have lost her way at Alexandra Park last night but that didn't stop her finding the winner's circle.

The glamour girl of this Auckland Cup carnival made her northern debut a winning one when she justified her warm favouritism in the $30,000 free-for-all, downing Onedin Legacy and Life Of Luxury.

But while the punters got the result they wanted, driver Ricky May said it was anything but clear cut because she took most of the home straight to edge past Onedin Legacy.

She had started from the awkward draw of one on the second line but ended up trailing leader Onedin Legacy almost all the way.

"She almost didn't know what to do when I asked her to take the passing lane," said May.

"She has never had to take it before and I don't think she knew what it was.

"She got there but considering how well she was going on the home turn, she probably could have won easier."

But May said the great mare would be a far better horse for the experience and would be even harder to beat in next Friday's $300,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Trotting Cup.

"She was definitely lost out there and didn't know what was going on racing right-handed for the first time.

"But she will improve a lot with that. Still, she is going to need to improve a lot as she will be off a 10m handicap in the cup."

Mainland Baner's win will ensure that she starts a warm favourite next week when she attempts to pull off the hardest double in New Zealand harness racing - victory in the New Zealand and Auckland Cups in the same season.

May suggested after the race that it was mainly Alta Serena who he feared heading into next Friday.

"She loves this track and finished second to us in the New Zealand Cup so will be the toughest, for sure."

While Mainland Banner was the star attraction last night the richest race of the night, was won by one of the biggest supporters of northern harness racing in Lincoln Farms.

The West Auckland racing operation, owned by John Street and Graeme Blackburn, produced Cast Adrift to lead throughout in the $50,000 PGG Wrightson Graduate.

The 2-year-old landed some big bets when he held the front and was too good for Christian Warrior. Southerner Carlos cost one fixed odds punter $7000 when he raced below expectations.

Earlier in the night, veteran trotter Gold made it back-to-back wins with an effortless victory in the $30,000 trot, proving he is in the best form of his career even as a 10-year-old.