By MICHAEL GUERIN
The New Zealand Cup campaign of two northern eagles has been grounded.
And that could spell good news for borderline cup contenders, fellow northerners All Hart and Homin Hosed.
Last Friday night's impressive Alexandra Park winner Eagles Together will definitely miss the New Zealand Cup after loosening a shoe
and then standing on it soon after the race.
"We were only lukewarm on going to the cup anyway because he hasn't had the racing the best open class horses have," said trainer-driver Todd MacFarlane.
"His foot will be all right so we will stay home with him and get ready for the Franklin Cup."
That may be on the programme too for Where Eagles Together, who only battled into fourth behind Eagles Together last week.
He returns to Alexandra Park tomorrow night along with Facta Non Verba but neither pacer is likely to head to Addington.
The almost certain withdrawal of the three talented northern pacers, coupled with the result of the Ashburton Flying Stakes on Monda, y have made the final composition of the New Zealand Cup field significantly clearer.
Barring injury, 12 pacers look guaranteed a start, with the outcome of the Kaikoura Cup on Monday to decide the remaining three runners.
Those almost certain to make the field are Jack Cade, Just An Excuse, Young Rufus, Cool Hand Luke, Elsu, Sly Flyin, Holmes D G, Gracious Knight, Lee Robyn, Jagged Account and, more surprisingly, Annie's Boy, Panky's Pacer and Falcon Rise.
The next most likely contenders are All Hart, 1999 winner Homin Hosed and Village Chief, with Eastwood Jaunty and Disprove also in with a chance.
