Racing: Smiling Shard hard to beat

Dexter Dunn can try to get Smiling Shard (12) parked when he wants. Photo / Richard Robinson

What looks a bad draw should only help boost the price for Smiling Shard in tonight's $100,000 Taylor Mile at Alexandra Park.

The best Kiwi pacer at the recent Interdominion series has drawn barrier two on the second line in the 1700m dash and while second-line draws are usually a killer in sprints at Alexandra Park, it could be the best thing to happen to Smiling Shard.

Tonight's feature has drawn a front line of freakish gate speed and looks certain to be set up for a horse who can miss the early burn and move into the race between the 1000m and 400m mark.

Cue, Smiling Shard.

"I only wanted one of two draws," trainer Cran Dalgety told the Herald.

"Either two on the front line or two on the second line, so I am stoked.

"He doesn't have high gate speed and had he drawn the front he could have worked hard and still got pushed wide or pushed back.

"As it is, now we can let them go hard and the Dexter [driver Dexter Dunn] can make his move to try and get parked when he wants.

"It still won't be easy to win but the draw won't stop us."

It will, in fact, only boost the price for Smiling Shard, who on his Interdominion efforts is clearly the one to beat tonight.

He was a brave fourth to the really big boys in the final on April 8 and was one of the few Kiwi pacers to emerge from the series with any credit.

He does meet opposition oozing with form but his is at the absolute highest level, while theirs is either inferior in open class or away from the big time.

Putting it simply, how short would the three pacers who beat him home in the Interdoms - Smoken Up, Themightyquinn or Blacks A Fake - be in tonight's race?

Selecting the greatest danger to Smiling Shard is tricky as who lands where after the early scramble will be crucial but the value option could be Gomeo Romeo.

He is a dazzling sprinter, fast off the gate and performed at the highest level leading into the Auckland Cup.

If punters can get good each-way odds for him tonight he is worth the risk of being fresh.

Smiling Shard's fellow Interdom reps in Five Star Anvil and Choise Achiever both have the gate speed and class to upset, while Franco Emirate and Mach Banner are classy acts which add to one of the best betting races of the harness season.

Tonight's premier meeting sees the open-class trotters return and after his luckless Interdom final run Raydon looks the best chance in race nine.

Dazzling Diamonds is clearly the filly to beat in tonight's richest race, the $200,000 Sales Series, and while her draw at one on the second line is not ideal she does follow out a fast beginner in Desire Mhe.

That should see her going forward when the field breaks open going into the first bend and that could be enough to get her the prize.

The decision of regular driver Anthony Butt to partner Thanesan, rather than stablemate King Kenny, in the $70,000 Sires' Stakes Trot will play on punters' minds, with Butt saying his drive may be faster but King Kenny tougher. They meet northern star Paramount Geegee at a time when he has just overcome a setback so the southern pair won't get a better chance to beat him.

Butt looks to have the night's Pick6 anchor in Raglan, who drops back from the Interdoms to be perfectly placed in race seven.

TAYLOR MILE

* Premier racing returns to Alexandra Park tonight with wonderful fields.

* The $100,000 Taylor Mile looks one of the best betting races of the season.

* Smiling Shard deserves favouritism after his brave Interdominions.

* Raydon, Raglan and King Kenny are other top bets tonight.

WEEKEND WINNERS

Best bet: Temepara Cullen (Alex Park, R5): Thrashed Donegal Delight last start. Drawn to lead and win.

Drawn perfectly: King Kenny (R4): Awesome last start and won't cover any extra ground.

Improved: Raydon (R9): Looked back to his best at the Inters and comes in well under tonight's conditions.

Point to prove: Flying Isa (Addington tonight, R5): Rated only second best in Harness Jewels market. Can change that tonight.

Hometown heroine: Jumpforjoy (Invercargill tomorrow, R7): Back from taking on the superstar fillies should win her local Oaks.