NZ Futurity: Take Two

Group 1 racing features at Hatrick this evening with the rerun of the abandoned The Rock 95.2FM NZ Futurity from May 12 being decided.

The original running of the $25,000 race was abandoned after a greyhound fell on the first turn, then ran back in the wrong direction into the face of the oncoming field.

Lure driver Ray Udy had no option but to pull up the lure with around 70m left to race.

There has been an early sensation for the re-run with the injury enforced scratching of the race favourite Vikings.

The balance of the field will parade to the 520m traps for the re-run (Race 9).

The nation's leading trainer Lisa Cole will again be dishing out the collars and leads to other handlers for her five contenders.

"All five of our runners have come through their races since in good order," confirmed the trainers' husband Brendon Cole.

NZ Futurity finalist Spare Some Time produced a strong finish to edge out his kennelmate Bigtime Jason to win last Friday's open class 520m event in a tidy 30.01s.

"Both have the ability to contest the early pace and that can give them a slight edge, especially when racing into the first turn," suggested Cole.

When asked if their other runners Bigtime Bell, See Aye Eye or Spring Allegro can feature Cole responded with, "we have deliberately kept Bigtime Bell and Spring Allegro fresh for the re-run.

"Bigtime Bell certainly can feature, especially if she jumps. She is also very strong and I wouldn't be surprised if she won it.

"Spring Allegro can ping away smartly, which he must do as he's an on-the-pace greyhound."

Allen Hadrian was the greyhound who fell and he is all set to contest the re-run as his trainer Craig Roberts confirms, although with reservations.

"He trialled good over 375m on Monday, although I'm worried about being able to work since his fall."

Group racing continues in the region over the long weekend with the $15,000 North Island Challenge Stakes being decided at the Manawatu Raceway on Monday.

The clash between last Monday's pair of 457m heat winners American Warrior (25.81s) for Dave and Jean Fahey and the Cole-prepared Storm Warning (25.90s) is shaping up as an enthralling looking paw wrestle.