It will see the performance of the Young Guns Easton Classic. For the first time, it goes from Group 3 to Group 1, with the stake doubled to $100,000.
It is one of five $100,000 Group 1s for the two-year-olds in the first half of next year, but the only one for the square gaiters.
“Any increase in stakes and achieving Group 1 status makes it attractive, especially what we now have to pay for trotters at the sale,” says Scott Phelan. “It’s great that the stakes are starting to justify the price we have to pay and give us a chance to get the money back.”
“We have three baby trotters that we can hopefully take to the early harness racing.”
Michelle Wallis, who trains with husband Bernie Hackett, agrees.
“Personally, I think any $100,000 stake is great for anyone, especially 2YO trotters,” she says.
“We hope to have a few ready, but it is still early. Most likely they will be Aldebaran Corona and an unnamed On A Streak gelding.”
There will also be a $30,000 Young Guns 2YO Trot Prelude at Alexandra Park on April 24, a fortnight before the Easton Classic.
The 2YO season kicks off in January with the opening heats of the Young Guns series at Alexandra Park and the first race for the 2YO pacers at Addington.
To see the 2YO schedule for January – May 2026 click here
By Harness Racing New Zealand
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