Few Australian race tracks have been as kind to New Zealand raiders as the Moonee Valley harness circuit since it opened in 1976.
So with apologies to some of the great performances by some champion horses, here are 10 of the Kiwi harness racing stars which shone brightest at the
Valley.
1: Lyell Creek, Australasian Trot Champs, 2001: Came off a 50m handicap to beat group one winner in Last Sunset. Should have been mathematically impossible.
2: Chokin, Victoria Cup, 1994: Destroyed some champions in a record time. And he jogged it.
3: Blossom Lady, Hunter Cup, 1995: Came off a 30m handicap to beat some genuine superstars. One of the greatest performances ever by a New Zealand mare.
4: Elsu, Hunter Cup, 2005: Sat three wide for last 1400m after starting from 20m handicap and embarrassed Flashing Red, who went on to win two New Zealand Cups. Scarily good.
5: Master Musician, Victoria Cup, 1993: In a vintage era this was one of the great races. Beat Jack Morris in record time.
6: Pride Of Petite, Interdominion Final, 1996: Came from 30m behind to win epic final, one of her series of great wins at the Valley.
7: Courage Under Fire, Australian Derby, 1999: Thrashed Shakamaker in a track record for a pacer of any age. Clearly the best CUF ever went.
8: David Moss, Australasian Trot Champs, 1994: Started off 45m handicap and was never comfortable bending his mammoth frame around the Valley's tight bends. Didn't matter.
9: Brabham, Victoria Cup, 1998: Came from last, which is nearly impossible in a major pace at the Valley, to beat triple Interdom champion Our Sir Vancelot.
10: Special Force, Dullard Cup, 1999: Not so much the performance but the race before the race. Flight delays meant he arrived in Melbourne two hours before the race, went straight to the track and won a group one 30 minutes later. Must have been a world first, and last.
