Racing: Parsons not laughing about big-race tactics

John Parsons is hoping tomorrow night's Auckland Trotting Cup doesn't turn into a joke.

Because a genuine staying test over the 3200m is the best chance his stable star Harnetts Creek has at major race glory.

Harnetts Creek has been the biggest mover in betting for the race this week, coming in from $18 to $10 after he drew handily on the front line while his key rivals face second line draws (Jack Cade) or handicaps (Elsu, Mister D G and Just An Excuse).

That will give Harnetts Creek the chance to head towards the lead if he can make a good beginning, putting a lot of horses between him and the four favourites.

Harnetts Creek won the Kaikoura Cup, beating Jack Cade and Mister D G among others, after leading but was robbed of any chance in the New Zealand Cup eight days later by a second line draw.

He drew the inside of the second line and settled back in the field before moving mid-race and ending up three back on the outer, but was always facing mission impossible as Elsu cruised through the first 1600m before blasting the last 1600m in an unheard of 1:54.1.

Parsons says that race was a joke and he would prefer to see his co-front markers not concede to the favourites.

"Once Elsu got the lead in the New Zealand Cup the race became a joke and the favourites had it to themselves a long way from home.

"I'd like to see the front markers make them work a little more this time."

Parsons says Harnetts Creek is good enough to do that but may be better suited to following the speed.

"A lot of people think he is best in front because they have seen him win a few races that way.

"But I think he might be just as good following the speed. "But to do that we would need one of the other front markers to want to take the race to the favourites as well."

While he is not sure what tactics will prevail in tomorrow night's $250,000 feature, Parsons is certain of one thing:

"There is no doubt he will be a better horse then he was here last week," he said in reference to his 10th in the Summer Cup.

"I knew he wasn't ready to win that last week so he was driven a little quieter than usual but he will be right back to his best tonight.

"His problem is that he sulks when he first gets up here and takes a few days to settle in.

"But he started to turn the corner after last week's race and has got better all the way through since."

If Harnetts Creek can upset the favourites Parsons will complete a unique double for the week.

On Monday he quinellaed the $30,000 Timaru Cup for thoroughbreds, with Coup Morgan and Portofino Bay.

To complete the double Harnetts Creek will have to overcome his mixed form at Alexandra Park, having never won there in nine starts.