Racing: Ohoka Texas on trial at Invercargill for $250,000 Auckland Cup

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One of New Zealand's worst track workers is on trial for the $250,000 Auckland Cup at Invercargill today.

And the TAB rates Ohoka Texas almost unbeatable in the $40,000 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup.

The four-year-old has emerged as a potential open class star of the future this season, winning four of his five starts for new trainer Mark Jones.

His latest was a crushing performance in the Pelorus Classic at Blenheim two weeks ago, one of the most impressive age group runs in a group race in recent years.

He reverts to a standing start and taking on the older horses at Invercargill today but neither of those factors concerns Jones.

"He is usually good from a stand and even if he does bobble it is only for a couple of strides," said Jones.

"And he already runs the sort of times the good older horses do so I don't see that being an issue."

Not that Ohoka Texas gives Jones any indication in track work of how he will perform today.

"He is a terrible track worker," reveals Jones.

"At home he just battles up the straight and can get beaten by the maidens." Not many can keep up on race day, though, as Ohoka Texas has developed a relentless pacing style to sap the speed from his rivals.

"When he does get to open class that is the only concern, whether he has the speed to beat the absolute best because they go hard but still kick home in 56 seconds.

"Still, this guy can pace two quarters [400m] in 27 seconds back to back so I think he will be fine."

Ohoka Texas looks an ideal type for today's group three race, with the 3200m and the Invercargill track which suits stayers perfect for his racing style.

And if he wins there he will almost certainly be nominated for the Auckland Cup on March 9.

"I don't want to race him too much more this season because the New Zealand Cup in November is his big aim but I think he might deserve a shot at Auckland.

"It could also give us a good idea where he really stands."

Ohoka Texas has the advantage of a 10m start over second favourite Artiface, which could be crucial as both horses like to run in front, as Artiface did when bolting away with the Northern Southland Cup last start.

The value in the race could be Rangataua Ray, who ran on well at Addington last week after getting too far back in a small field. He comes in well under today's handicapping conditions.

Later in what is a superb day of harness racing, Jones believes OK Courage can overcome barrier nine in race 10.

"It is not an easy draw but he is well and I think he can still win."

The meeting starts with a bang, with the highly rated local juvenile Classiemahon to debut in race one and in-form trotter Jaccka Justy favoured in race two.