Alexandra Park bosses have been left beaming by outstanding entries for their Cup week features.
Nominations for the $600,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup and $600,000 Woodlands Northern Derby on March 6 closed yesterday and fears the races may suffer because of dominant favourites were blown away.
Even withsuper pacer Auckland Reactor certain to be a hot favourite for the Cup, the race received 23 nominations, while 38 horses are in the running for the Derby.
The Cup response was especially pleasing, with Changeover, Gotta Go Cullen, Monkey King, Mr Feelgood, Baileys Dream and Awesome Armbro among the entries.
While three of those are currently racing in Australia and would be considered unlikely to return home unless Auckland Reactor pulled out of the race, there is still plenty of potential depth to the field, with in-form pacers like Mr Molly, Rocket Reign, Special Ops and even former winner Mi Muchacho.
But the greatest surprise was the nomination of champion trotter Stig, who swept all before him in the spring but has yet to race at Alexandra Park.
Like the Cup, the Derby has a standout favourite in Stunin Cullen, who is unbeaten this season, but he will need to be something special to maintain that record in the rich classic.
Not only will he meet Harness Jewels winner Highview Tommy but last season's Sires' Stakes winner Tintin In America, both of whom have pushed him close this season.
But the real bonus for the Auckland Trotting Club comes in the form of Australia's three best 3-year-olds - Bus To Harland, Captain Joy and Bonavista Bay - all being entered.
The connections of the trio have all indicated they would like to be at Alexandra Park for the Derby preludes on February 27. And the boys could also be joined by leading fillies Lauraella, Joyfuljoy and Imagine Me.
Fixed odds betting on the two group ones is expected to open next week.
