Legendary status goes on the line

Group one racing returns to the Hatrick Raceway this evening when the $26,000 New Zealand Breeders' Stakes will be decided.

This 520m event is the pinnacle race for New Zealand breeders, as it is the only race at the elite level on the national calendar which recognises the local breeding industry.

Six heats held last Friday decided this evening's field race 9, 8.12pm.

However, it is one of the two fastest second-placed heat runners to qualify, who will start as the race favourite and deservedly so. Speed Legend, who is prepared in Palmerston North by Bill Hodgson, has been flying around Hatrick.

Going into his heat he had delivered a pair of searing sub 29.50 second race victories.

In his Breeders' heat, he tangled during the early rush.

Balancing up, he charged after the free-wheeling Know Class, trained by Canterbury's Gary Cleeve.

Sure, Speed Legend went under by two lengths in a race that was run in a meet-best 29.86 second time. Nonetheless it was the strong effort he put in that impressed.

"If he does everything right [early stages], then I reckon he will be hard to beat. He's spot on going into Friday," said Hodgson. Obviously, Know Class must be respected, even though he will need to ping away smartly from the eight trap.

"He has pulled up extra and he has done very well during the week," said Cleeve.

Another Palmerston North prepared chaser is Hello Ello for Brent Johnston, who led throughout to win her heat in 29.93 seconds. She is at her best when seen leading the chase after the bunny and she has proved hard to get past when doing so.

"If she can grab the early lead, then she will be very hard to get past. She will run all day," said Johnston.

Tirau trainer Karen Walsh is on a super high as she chases after a group one training double within a six-day period.

Last Sunday, she mentored the race quinella in the prestigious $80,000 Plaster Board Duke Of Edinburgh Silver Collar for breeder and owner Gary Harding.

That combination is chasing their fourth NZ Breeders' title tonight. Walsh will load away Thrilling Sonic into the one trap.

Thrilling Sonic flew late to snatch his place in this in this final when clocking 30.21s.

He was on track debut then and he would have benefited from that experience.

"He is still learning the racing game. He has pace and he is fairly strong," said Walsh. "He came through last Friday very well and he's ready to deliver a big race."