Speedsters seek redemption in NZ Free-for-all

The burning desire to make up for what could have been in the New Zealand Cup should set up a sensational early battle in today’s New Zealand Free-For-All at Addington.

Few came off the track after Cruz Bromac’s win in Tuesday’s feature with a more agonising hard luck story than the camp of third placegetter Classie Brigade.

Driver John Dunn was seen desperately trying to find clear racing room for the seven-year old trained by his father Robert.

Unfortunately, a gap only came after the horse’s winning hope evaporated before the driver’s eyes.

‘‘There was a gap there nicely for him, but with Spankem not quite kicking like he usually does it closed on him,’’ Robert Dunn said. ‘‘Johnny said he thought the run was going to be nicely there for him and it closed as quick as it opened.’’

John Dunn has told the media he has no plans to be behind any horse when the gate leaves for today’s 1980m sprint.

Trying to hold the lead from his ace barrier 1 draw is a plan wholeheartedly endorsed by his father. ‘‘You can’t waste a good draw like barrier one and he has got great gate speed,’’ the trainer said.

Not being able to fully let down with his run on Tuesday suggests Classie Brigade should go in to today’s $200,000 feature without any hangover effect from the New Zealand Cup.

Dunn confirmed his stable was thrilled with the way he has come through the race. ‘‘He has pulled up super, we are really thrilled with him this week.’’

Chase Auckland, who starts beside Classie Brigade in barrier two, could lay claim to the New Zealand Cup’s second biggest hard-luck story.

The pacer had clear air for all of the run home, but had make his finish wider than any horse in the race.

Both San Carlo and Mach Shard lost ground around the home turn, hindering Chase Auckland’s momentum and forcing him around them.

The All Stars five-year old faces a massive turn around from the circumstances that put him back in the field in the New Zealand Cup, when moving from the unruly to barrier two today.

Chase Auckland will not only avoid having to give his rivals a head start, Williams will be able to make use of his blazing gate speed.

‘‘It is an ideal draw for him with his gate speed and it is going to be a big help coming off the unruly to be on level terms,’’ the driver said.

Cup runner-up Spankem gets the chance to show off the early zip that saw him win the Miracle Mile from barrier seven.