Racing: Kiwis set to wear several crowns

Start Dreaming was brave in second but it appeared The Orange Agent had another gear left. Photo / Thinkstock

New Zealand could have the favourite in as many as seven group ones at Sunday's A$1.5 million Breeders Crown meeting at Melton.

While that sounds scarcely believable, six of those favourites look guaranteed regardless of what happens at today's barrier draws.

The big name Kiwi pacing stars all produced the goods in their Crown semifinals at Ballarat on Saturday night, with Waikiki Beach, Dream About Me and The Orange Agent extending their long winning records.

Dream About Me's victory came with the added bonus of Australia's best juvenile filly Heaven's Trend performing well below her best, suggesting she is no longer a major threat in the final.

Both The Orange Agent, on her Australia debut, and Waikiki Beach jogged to all-the-way wins on Saturday and are odds-on for their rich finals on Sunday.

But how short they will be will depend on the draws around 5pm NZ time today - if Waikiki Beach draws well on the front line he could start as hot as $1.10 for his final, worth more than A$300,000.

The Orange Agent was just as impressive in her semi, working to the lead and holding out Start Dreaming in a repeat of their Northern Oaks quinella.

Start Dreaming was brave in second but it appeared The Orange Agent had another gear left and if she draws well for Sunday it is impossible to see her beaten.

Their greatest danger could be Ameretto, who set a track record mile rate of 1:54.4 for the 2200m in the other semi, which saw the only shock Kiwi defeat with Classical Art dropping out to last after trailing.

Ameretto's win suggested if she can draw in front of the New Zealanders she will take catching.

Defending Crown champ Follow The Stars had to settle for a luckless second to Menin Gate after trailing and getting out late on Saturday and their final looks the one most likely to be decided by the barrier draw.

"He would have won had he got out earlier and he will improve on that," said Follow The Stars' trainer-driver Mark Purdon.

"But I was happy with my whole team apart, from Classical Art. We had her vet checked but can't find anything wrong with her."

Other New Zealand-trained favourites for Sunday include trotters Speeding Spur, High Gait and Conon Bridge, the last-mentioned to be joined in the juvenile male trot by Cyclone Chief, after his second against the older horses at Cambridge on Thursday.