Racing: Purdon leads strong southern assault

Highview Tommy is one of the better-class members of Mark Purdon's invasion force. Photo / Alan Gibson

The greatest southern invasion on record will be launched at Alexandra Park on Friday night.

Up to 50 South Island-trained horses are set to compete for northern riches in the next six weeks, starting with the Franklin Cup meeting on Friday.

Leading Canterbury trainers say the invasion is set to become an annual summer occurrence.

Top trainer Mark Purdon will lead the way, sending 12 horses north to join his satellite stable, giving him a 20-strong northern assault.

Ken Barron will bring eight horses north, headed by Franklin Cup contender Georgetown, while Robert Dunn will campaign similar numbers.

Cran Dalgety will return north with Harness Jewels and Australasian Breeders Crown winner Smiling Shard heading his four-strong team, while regulars like the Butt brothers and Phil Williamson are also coming.

And some of the big names are even going via Australia to get here.

Kiwi Ingenuity is almost certain to contest the group one Queen Of Hearts on December 18 after doing battle in Sunday's Miracle Mile.

"It is a group one and a great race so all going well in the Mile we will be at Alexandra Park," said her trainer Robbie Holmes.

Also returning from Australia for the carnival will be Dominion Handicap winner Springbank Richard.

He heads to Melbourne this week to take on Aussie hero Skyvalley in two races over the next fortnight but will return for the National Trot on December 31.

"We almost decided to miss Melbourne but we are lucky enough to have a horse good enough to go so we will do both there and Auckland," said trainer Phil Williamson.

While all the major trainers are heading north there will also be smaller stables with horses to be aimed at the fillies' features and the Sales Series Pace on December 31, which has been boosted to $250,000.

And trainers throughout Canterbury are saying the difference in stake money between Auckland and Canterbury is becoming too great to ignore.

Many were disappointed some of the minor class races at the New Zealand Cup carnival were lowered to $15,000, the level offered by the Auckland Trotting Club for any one-win or faster race throughout the season.

With Alexandra Park having huge stakes until New Year and then a strong two-week carnival starting at Cambridge, it makes financial sense for most leading southern trainers to send their better horses north.

The key now is for northern clubs to build on the momentum.

With massive stakes to be offered at the Auckland Cup meeting in March, southern interest there is certain to be high but ATC bosses will want to ensure a regular flow of southern talent throughout the winter, when the $15,000 lower-grade races really stand out compared with others around the country.

Patrons heading to Alexandra Park for the December fixtures can expect to see a huge array of southern talent, including these from the major stables.

Mark Purdon and Grant Payne: Highview Tommy, Ohoka Dallas, Russley Rascal, Kotare Mach, Major Mark (juvenile), Breath Of Life, Joyfuljoy, Sleepy Tripp, Scotty Mach, Ardens Darlin, Meredith Maguire, Lancome.

Tim Butt and Phil Anderson: Bargain Basement, The Big Mach, Cullens Creek.

Cran Dalgety: Smiling Shard, About Ambition, Hip Hop Anvil, Holy Hero.

Ken Barron: Georgetown, Still Coughin, L E Operative, Makarewa Sun, There's A Dancer, Sounds Alive, Thumpen and Major Obsession (both juveniles).

Robert Dunn: Rider On The Storm, Yankee Dream, Surf And Sand, Gretna's Best, Muscle Beach, Valour Under Fire, Monpazier.

John Hay: Houdini Star, Charlie Wright, Onedin Crusader.

Phil Williamson: Springbank Richard, Doctor Jock.

Steven McRae: Nearea Franco, Jumanji Franco.

Robbie Holmes: Kiwi Ingenuity.

The field for the $70,000 Pak'nSave Franklin Cup over 3200m at Alexandra Park on Friday night is Sleepy Tripp, Arma Fake, Pembrook Benny, Percy The Punter, Wee Willam, Rider On The Storm, He's My Hero, L E Operative, Dash fr; Georgetown 10; Power Of Tara, Zenad, Awesome Armbro, All Tiger 20; Changeover 30.