Runner by runner guide to NZ Futurity
Peter Fenemor • June 27th, 2025 10:19 AM • 5 min read
Group 1 racing features at the Hatrick Raceway this evening with the running of the $30,000 New Zealand Futurity (Race 9).
The 520m event features a number of the nation’s classic age greyhounds with the final field being decided with the running of three-heats last Friday.
It is a field that contains early pace, therefore the rush for positions towards the first turn is likely to have a major influence on the race result.
Here’s a runner-by-runner rundown on the field with comments kindly supplied by the finalists’ trainers/kennel reps, along with their respective TAB Final Field quotes.
$30,000 New Zealand Futurity (Group 1) R/A 520m
1 Perfect Harry ($7 & $2.05): He displayed tremendous determination when pressing on stoutly from a midfield position to snatch his place in the final field via his 2.50 length third to Big Time Maestro. He must quickly push forward from his kind draw.
“Drawing trap-one is an added bonus. He’s not the best beginner, so hopefully he jumps good and places himself in a forward position. At least he won’t have to go around any of the others. He pulled up great and he has pleased me since his heat.” Dylan Voyce
2 Stuck Throttle ($5 & $1.70): Improvement from his eye-catching track debut half-length heat second to Boom Dynamite can be expected from this consistent chaser. He loomed up to the pacemaker on the home turn and he kicked on boldly. The NZ Derby runner-up has drawn to feature.
“I was very pleased with Stuck Throttle’s first look at Hatrick. He has recovered well, and his draw pleases me. I do favour him from my two runners as he can begin better than Zestful.” Garry Cleeve.
3 Zestful ($4.40 & $1.60): As usual this bloke produced a competitive heat race when finishing three-lengths behind More Magic. In doing so he recorded the second quickest overall heat time which says he’s right in contention in this event.
“Zestful chased home strongly in the quickest heat. He can run out a strong 520m and I’m hoping he can secure a rails passage around the first bend and find a challenging position from there. We just need a little bit of luck.” Garry Cleeve.
4 Big Time Ashton ($16 & $3.40): It is essential that this bloke uses his known early pace from the traps, as he’s likely to cut down towards the rail. He was solid in his heat and then backed that up with his freewheeling 26.05 Tuesday Manawatu 457m win.
“He’s a dead set railer, therefore the early rush will decide the outcome for him. He’s a speedy dog, who has a bright future in front of him.” Brendon Cole.
5 More Magic ($3.50 & $1.45): He was all class in the manner that he delivered his slick 29.83 heat win. He’s the current Auckland Cup title holder and he can add this event to his CV. His draw is the only negative against him here.
“Yes, More Magic is the best prospect from our kennels. He will hold a straight line and if he doesn’t get an early touch-up, then he should have too much pace for the others. He’s a dog who is huge on ability. He is proven at Group 1 level, and he’s a dog who can do it at both ends of his races.” Brendon Cole.
6 Big Time Toby ($17 & $3.50): He contested the pace throughout in his heat, only yielding to his kennelmate Big Time Maestro by 2.50 lengths during the run home. He’s another who must break away quickly from the traps.
“He is likely hook left from the traps. He can get out quickly, but how the race will unfold for him from there remains to be seen. Again, his race will be determined by the early rush.” Brendon Cole.
7 Big Time Maestro ($15 & $3.30): He stalked Big Time Toby all-the-way, from where he used his strength during the run home to secure his 30.37 heat win. He has yet to win from the outside two-traps, although he delivered his heat win from trap-six.
“He is a sharp greyhound, although he will turn left from the traps. He does have early pace so hopefully he uses that asset.” Brendon Cole.
8 Boom Dynamite ($4 & $1.50): This fella has been a competitive chaser throughout the season, matching his paws against a number of the nation’s leading greyhounds. His 30.32 heat win confirmed that factor. The concern for him is his noted railing tendencies, although a swift start can see him positioning himself onto the pace when going into the first turn.
“He is a dead set railer therefore his draw is a worry. However, in saying that he could get a nice run into the first turn with others inside him potentially jostling and if he has momentum up, then yes, he can swoop around the outer.” Brendon Cole.
