Ringside Sits Pretty For Auckland Cup

2016 National Distance champion Ring The Bell was a classy Victorian stayer, who maintained Group 1 winning form when he "emigrated" to New Zealand.

This Sunday afternoon at the Manukau Stadium his younger full brother Ringside will start as one of the favoured contenders to annex the $90,000 Auckland Cup Final at Group 1 level.

Ringside was mightily impressive when he strode to his 30.14s 527m track debut heat win last Sunday. He can only be improved following that outing with jumping from trap five not being expected to faze him at all.

"He pulled up good, really good and you certainly would think he'll handle it (track) better second time up. The owners aren't overly concerned with his draw," commented caretaker trainer Thayne Green.

The nation's leading trainer Lisa Cole has qualified three finalists and they have drawn the inside three traps. Dual Group 1 placegetter Blazin' Carter completed his heat assignment in 30.37s and his trap two draw brings him right into contention.

"Very happy with his draw and we expect him to jump straight onto the pace. He'll be competitive if he does so," advised Brendon Cole.

Kennelmate All About Space will be sighted wearing the red racing vest which she is suited too, being an out and out railer. "She was marred in her heat, therefore forget about her time.

"She's a determined greyhound who can place herself handy to the pace," added Cole.

The Steve Cark prepared Pinny Mack is a previous Group 1 527m on this track whose claims in this event certainly cannot be dismissed. He overcame early jostling in his heat when he boldly chased home Ringside for his 4.5 length heat second.

"He got an early touch up, so I was pleased with the way he stuck to his task afterwards. He's all set to go on Sunday – it's racing luck from out there (seven) that he'll be relying on," suggested Clark.

Avenger Bale was an Auckland Cup finalists last season and his trainer Craig Roberts is bringing back for another crack at it following his 30.30s heat win when he finished strongly.

"Avenger is experienced enough to pick his way through the field. It's a case of him positioning himself handy to the pace going into the first turn," said Roberts.

Diddilee is a recent Group 1 Addington winner and his conditioner Angela Turnwald is on a current Group 1 winning spree having trained the winner of the last three New Zealand Group 1 races.

"He is a thinking greyhound and he's going to have to use that asset when he jumps from trap four. He has come through his heat very well," said the trainer's partner Paul Freeman.