Tentative date set for 2021 Harness Jewels at Cambridge - if enough cash can be found
By Barry Lichter • 18 August 2020
The Harness Jewels could yet be resurrected with a date already earmarked for a 2021 series to be held in Cambridge.
Chief executive Phil Holden has revealed that Harness Racing New Zealand’s board is keen to run the Jewels again, after it was scrapped at Cambridge this year because of COVID-19.
A provisional nine race card has been set down for Sunday, June 6.
“The board wants to continue to provide some aspirational events for the industry,” says Holden.
“However, the ability to run the Jewels hinges on there being enough capacity in both code and club funding to support the event.”
Holden says it is hoped to make a decision in the next five to six weeks.
If the event goes ahead, it will be with lower stakes than in previous years, he said.
Six pacing races for $150,000 each and three trotting races for $125,000 were held when the Jewels was last run at Addington in 2019.
More news in Harness
Phone home - ET trotter Whats Up The Hill blasts off with narrow Escape at Auckland
Ray needs good results from blood test and gear change to repel southern fillies’ charge
Fergie takes the initiative and Onyx Shard delivers again for the galloping buddies
Near triple dead-heat shows rookie improving but Fergie tips Leo, in blinds, is Tuesday’s best
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Cambridge
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
5.55pm
“The race never panned out for him on debut, he got too far back from a second row draw, but we’ve got the gun draw and gun driver (Zachary Butcher) on this time. He can run off the gate a bit so I don’t see why he can’t lead. I’d like to think he’s a chance to get some money. He’s been trialling and working well.”
Ray’s tips
Thursday night at Auckland
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.41pm
“He missed four or five days work with an abscess in his foot when he came back from Manawatu so he could be a bit short.”
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.41pm
“She doesn’t handle the bends so well the Auckland way and is just going round to lose points. She’s been crucified by the handicapping system.”
Race 2: What’s Up The Hill
6.06pm
“He’s not the finished article yet but he’s slowly getting the hang of it. There are nicer horses in the race than the ones he raced against at Manawatu so I’Il be happy if he can just do everything right and run a slot.”
Race 3: Onyx Shard
6.31pm
“She won from a wide draw last time at Manawatu but this is a slightly harder field. She keeps drawing badly and the outside gate might inconvenience her again.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.22pm
“He got pushed out down the back last time because he couldn’t keep up. We had big aspirations for him but it looks like he isn’t as good as we thought. Nothing can beat Marketplace.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
7.54pm
“I’m sure she’s up to them when she’s right but she’s had her setbacks recently. First she tied up and then she kicked out at something and bruised a foot. She’s right now but that will render her not 100% fit.”
Race 9: Lincoln La Moose
9.36pm
“He went good races at Palmy but he pulled far too hard here last time. It was a better run than it looks on paper though as he couldn’t get a run at them in the straight. He’s probably on his mark now and will need a bit of luck.”
