NZ Trotting Cup 2026

[kakama]

Well….

We are just over 5 weeks out from the Cup…. anyone had any early fixed odd punts… or any views? 

[Forest]

If LTF is 100% he wins. I think Marketplace,  Laz and the Knuckle are the only chances if hes slightly down. 

[kakama]

I have had a few bucks on Minos ($10) and Kingsman ($12). 
Pretty open i think, and to be honest, over that distance from a stand start, would not punt leap to fame at $1.80, even though we know what a brilliant pacer he is. 
 

[Idolmite]

With LTF, Kingman and Swayzee all racing tonight, as well as The Mistress, it'll give us a guideline on how they're all travelling. Kingman has an issue with manners, and he got very tired towards the end of his last campaign, so if they've got him back to anywhere near 100% he has to be a chance. He had the toughest run of the race last year, hung really badly, and still beat LTF over 3200 metres. AND he skipped a couple of times from memory. He must be a nightmare to drive. His first run back this time in had him dancing a jig too. 

[Charlie E]

3 hours ago, Forest said:

If LTF is 100% he wins. I think Marketplace,  Laz and the Knuckle are the only chances if hes slightly down. 

I would throw It's Tough as well 

[Charlie E]

Some of these fixed odds especially for the futures on the big races are often too short . I am interested to see what Lucky Luka opens up with next Friday as opposed to what is offered now 

[Ned Kelly]

Not much more than a workout for Larry, nice to see Trista getting the drive 

[Pure Steel]

17 minutes ago, Charlie E said:

Some of these fixed odds especially for the futures on the big races are often too short

you tipped Better Knuckle Up a long way out before the Velocity slot race in Cup week that time Charlie , at 15-1 which was pretty good.

Think he will struggle against LEAP To FAME though in the Cup. LTF won in very fast time last week , and won just now tonight in a jog , with Grant's Mrs having a bit of fun driving him for a change. Not sure what all that was about , but you can be sure the 3 other Dixon runners wouldn't of been trying an inch to beat him. 

Only other race I can see a 'Future market' in,  for is the DOMINION TROT on Nov 11th. GUS at a short $1.90.

What about Higher Power ? Higher Power sprinting brilliantly lately at the end of his races. I'm taking some 13-1 tickets on him anyway. A great chance for the Northerners to WIN the Dominion. 

 

[Charlie E]

Saw LTF win tonight as well . BKU will never forget that win  

On last night's run BKU is a chance provided he steps in the cup . Also remembering he flew home for 4th last year after being in a hopeless position turning for home  .

He had a very in and out season last time in with some unlucky runs and other times very disappointing runs after having every chance . Hopefully Scottie and Barry have worked him out and he is more consistent this time in .

I think Forest is right with what he said above and I also like It's Tough , as we know horses who can work are the biggest threats . 

Gus has to be the one but as you mention , Higher Power wow how good has he been this season , however only question is left handed way at Addington hopefully he will cope . 

[Idolmite]

Good run from Kingman for second tonight at Menangle, going off at 20-1 behind The Mistress from barrier 1. Got badly held up, but wasn't knocked around at all. He still can't run in a straight line, but at least didn't break.  

[kakama]

Franco Sinatra is really turning into a tough little bugger. A year ago i wouldnt give him a chance in the Cup, but if he had a good run, could see him running top 6. How cool, great to see a free legged pacer. 
 

Remember old Eddie Cowie with that Best Dream, hit and miss type, but i was lucky to be on a couple times at big odds. 

[Dynamite]

20 hours ago, Idolmite said:

Good run from Kingman for second tonight at Menangle, going off at 20-1 behind The Mistress from barrier 1. Got badly held up, but wasn't knocked around at all. He still can't run in a straight line, but at least didn't break.  

Kingman was impressive last night…. Looked outstanding in the pre race parade….. made ground on CM…. Big improvement from his first up run here…. Has beaten LTF multiple times….. He is the main danger to …. LTF….. If there is one…..

[Idolmite]

7 minutes ago, Dynamite said:

Kingman was impressive last night…. Looked outstanding in the pre race parade….. made ground on CM…. Big improvement from his first up run here…. Has beaten LTF multiple times….. He is the main danger to …. LTF….. If there is one…..

Agree 100%. He certainly looks better again now when compared to around Miracle Mile time earlier this season. Maybe October / November is his time. 

[Iraklis]

Hey, does anyone know when the next round of Cup rankings etc are due out? 

 

Cheers Iraklis

[Idolmite]

28 minutes ago, Iraklis said:

Hey, does anyone know when the next round of Cup rankings etc are due out? 

 

Cheers Iraklis

On THE BOX SEAT on Tuesday?

[Charlie E]

Been a long time since we have had real live chances in the Cup . 

My place punt will be It's Tough 

[Forest]

3 hours ago, Charlie E said:

Been a long time since we have had real live chances in the Cup . 

My place punt will be It's Tough 

He probably needs a little to go his way but hes a place chance 

[Charlie E]

1 hour ago, Forest said:

He probably needs a little to go his way but hes a place chance 

I have been thinking a lot about how the race may go .

You would think if MP happens to lead will hand up to Laz but Laz could beat him out . Bob hands up to one of the Aussies who may hand to LTF so MP could be 4 back the fence . Its Tough will come around and be good enough to sit parked the last lap to run top 3 .

I still don't think MP is an out and out stayer , who can work hard because they will run time . Its Tough to me is and can work in a race . $3.10 is pretty good . 

Chockie Fish It's T beats MP 

[Forest]

1 hour ago, Charlie E said:

I have been thinking a lot about how the race may go .

You would think if MP happens to lead will hand up to Laz but Laz could beat him out . Bob hands up to one of the Aussies who may hand to LTF so MP could be 4 back the fence . Its Tough will come around and be good enough to sit parked the last lap to run top 3 .

I still don't think MP is an out and out stayer , who can work hard because they will run time . Its Tough to me is and can work in a race . $3.10 is pretty good . 

Chockie Fish It's T beats MP 

Ill take tgat fish. I think Marketplace is a genuine second fave. His performance against the mare is thebbest kiwi effort in last couple years  worked extra.. and if he did get a sit well he has speed to burn

[Iraklis]

Oh gawd all this talk is not great for my nerves, tiz a tad early to start the medicinals  at this point I just hope my fav Merlin makes the field, yeh I know, I know, he aint done much of late but yuh can't help who yuh love  reckon the Knuckle an Harry will be in it, but which ever horse rocks home an I don't care which one it is, I just want it to be Kiwi.....

 

Cheers Iraklis

[Forest]

2 minutes ago, Iraklis said:

Oh gawd all this talk is not great for my nerves, tiz a tad early to start the medicinals  at this point I just hope my fav Merlin makes the field, yeh I know, I know, he aint done much of late but yuh can't help who yuh love  reckon the Knuckle an Harry will be in it, but which ever horse rocks home an I don't care which one it is, I just want it to be Kiwi.....

 

Cheers Iraklis

The Knuckle is a massive chance but its just hold your breath. He has to step cos Laz and Marketplace will and Leaper is Leaper

[Iraklis]

Harry seems to be workin the oracle with the Knuckle and he's gettin better at his starts, I feel pretty sure Harry an Co will be doin bit extra with Knuckle to help him getaway good  once they're all on the journey and safe, then we breathe.....we got some good ones in there this time, so it should be a pretty good showin for the Cup 26  

 

Cheers Iraklis

[Charlie E]

I would love to see the Knuckle do well too , he is a big chance . I reckon he goes better left handed as well