An afternoon of Thrilling horseracing action is expected when the Crockford Real Estate Summer Race Day hits the track at the Tauranga Racecourse on Friday.

Racing Tauranga spokesman Andrew Love says an eight race programme has been scheduled for the meet, and while the fields aren't big they are 'quality and chasing some good prize money”.

'In Race Seven, the C U at Phoenix 1600, the three top weights should dominate, and ironically, they all start with ‘Hi'.”

The top weight, Hifler owned and bred by Sir Patrick Hogan, was a last start winner, while Highland Park is backing up from a third placing at Trentham last Saturday.

Highlad is also having its first start after competing in Australia, finishing eighth at the Victorian Derby. The three-year-old has also been nominated for the New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie this March.

The feature race, The Crockford Real Estate open handicap over 1400, has Trojan Warrior as the top weight with a liking for Tauranga after registering two wins here over the same distance back in November, says Andrew.

'Whilst the nine-year-old Packing Tycoon with more than $300,000 in winnings has had two runner up placing in its last two starts, one coming here at Tauranga on January.”

Local trainers Cindy Mortimer has Simply Classic in Race Two, while Brian Mckeagg has Cantare in Race Seven and Running Scared in Race Eight.

Andrew says the Tauranga Racecourse track is currently sitting as ‘a good three”.

The Crockford Real Estate Summer Race Day is on at the Tauranga Racecourse in Greerton on Friday, January 20. Gates open 9.30am with the first race timed to go at 12:35pm. Entry is free.

For more information visit: www.theraces.co.nz