KEY POINTS:
Punters should look out for an improved Cruzee Lass in the North Island Breeders Stakes at Alexandra Park tonight.
That is the tip from trainer Barry Purdon as he puts the final touches on the mare for tonight and her main aim, the Harness Jewels in eight days'
time.
Cruzee Lass has been one of the best 4-year-old mares in the country this season and could start one of the favourites in her section of the Jewels with a win tonight.
And Purdon says that is possible as the daughter of Christian Cullen is now over a recent foot problem.
"It wasn't anything too serious but it definitely affected her," said Purdon.
"That is why her last two runs for fourth were better than they probably looked because she wasn't at her best.
"She has had a bit of an easier time since then, though, and her hoof is now fine."
That being the case, Cruzee Lass looks the one to beat as she comes in well under the conditions of tonight's $30,000 event.
She has won nine races but is still only handicapped as a five-win pacer and will start off a 20m handicap, which is not too daunting considering her manners.
"The 2700m stand won't bother her because she is a sensible mare and I think she will be hard to beat."
Aiding Cruzee Lass is the fact the front line of the race is not strong and there are no horses starting off the 10m mark, reducing the likelihood of traffic problems.
Her biggest danger on sheer class would undoubtedly be Waitfornoone, who has raced with courage in open class this season.
But she faces a 50m handicap, a daunting prospect in a capacity field.
With the right luck she can win but recent racing at Alexandra Park has reaffirmed just how hard even the best horses find it to overcome handicaps longer than 30m.
Purdon also has Sky Beauty in the race and rates her a place chance, although she is not as well placed as her stablemate, assessed as a one-win mare but starting alongside horses rated as three-winners.
Earlier in the night Purdon suggests maiden trotter Harold Scott is worth a dollar.
The huge trotter looked certain to run second last start before galloping but will be fitter and mentally stronger for that outing, giving him a good chance in race three.
One of the highlights of the night will be the junior drivers' race, which sees some talented 3-year-olds clash in search of a penalty-free win.
Ohoka Rebel is unbeaten in three starts but will meet tough opposition from Another Homer, whose manners cost him victory last start.
Breeders stakes
* Some top pacing mares clash in tonight's Breeders Stakes at Alexandra Park.
* Cruzee Lass is ready to return to her best after a recent hoof problem.
* Open class mare Waitfornoone faces a 50m backmark.
* The junior drivers' event looks another highlight on the programme.