The Jewels: Wobelee our diamond in the rough, plus guide to big day

AUSSIE trot hero Wobelee is used to overcoming obstacles.

And champion Aussie horseman Chris Alford says he can do that again from what looks a horror barrier at the Harness Jewels at Cambridge in New Zealand on Saturday.

One of the best juvenile trotters ever produced in Australia, the now three-year-old will start from the outside of the front line in his $125,000 mobile mile, a draw almost certainly made worse by hot favourite Winterfell drawing the ace.

But few Australian horsemen know more about beating the Kiwis, even on their home tracks as Alford, who has won Group 1s at Addington and Alexandra Park as well as over 6000 races in his homeland.

And Alford is adamant Wobelee, trained by his wife Alison, can win.

“I have watched a lot of videos of the locals and they are no better than him,” says Alford in his matter-of-fact way.

“Winterfell was good winning the Derby but went a 2:0 mile rate whereas my horse went the same mile rate winning the NSW Derby after galloping and losing 50m early.

“I am not saying we are going to just turn up and win because it won’t be easy but he is good enough to overcome that barrier.”

Wobelee has been overcoming obstacles his whole life. When he was born his legs were so badly conformed he couldn’t stand for days. Hence, his name.

He tends to need a little help along the way, as he can be cranky pre-start and will spending the minutes before the score up on Saturday with an attendant or keeping the clerk of the course’s horse company.

“He is fine as long as he doesn’t have to circle with the other horses and I have explained that to the stewards,” Alford said.

“But he will be good as gold during the race and while we might have to sit parked to win, I think he can.”

HOW TO PLAY JEWELS DAY

Expert Michael Guerin look at how to play one of harness racing’s biggest days, the Harness Jewels at Cambridge on Saturday:

RACE 1
The race: Aussie raider Platinum Revolution could lead, run and make it hard for those chasing but stable believe Princess Tiffany is better than she has been. She may have to sit parked to win though.

The bet: Princess Tiffany (8) to win, $2 a realistic price.

RACE 2
The race: Very deep juvenile trot field but draw a huge assist to Enhance Your Calm. Full Noise and Oscar Bonevena might be as talented but maybe not as advanced.

The bet: Hard to take the long odds-on for Enhance Your Calm (4) so quinella up with 3-12.

RACE 3
The race: Could be for the early lead and whoever wins is likely to want to trail NZ Oaks winner Shez All Rock, who should win.

The bet: Dizzy Miss Lizzy (2) to trail and therefore place.

RACE 4
One of the trickiest races of the day with gate speed across the front line and with likelihood of mid race moves, one of the few genuine potential swoopers races all day.

The bet: Utmost Delight (13) might be fast enough to win with the right cart into it, maybe save on Seaswift Joy (2)

RACE 5
The race: The two best trotters, Enghien and Habibi Inta, have the right draws, with class Aussie mare Dance Craze likely to give them a decent start.

The bet: Habibi Inta (1) to win as he has more options than Enghien.

RACE 6
The race: Dominated by the All Stars, who have four class acts drawn wide on the front line and therefore likely to keep rolling forward and make this a tough test.

The bet: Another Masterpiece (5), as he might get to $3 as stablemate Jesse Duke shortens.

RACE 7
The race: Should be a beauty, with raw speed on the front line and two class acts in Eamon Maguire and Star Galleria ready to get involved later. Early sectionals will be crucial.

The bet: Star Galleria (11) could get straight on the back of Eamon Maguire and slingshot him.

RACE 8
The race: Depends if Winterfell can lead, with his trainers confident but it is hard to be certain as he was rocky in gait last start.

If he gets crossed then Aussie star Wobelee and Majestic Man could be the big winners.

The bet: Winterfell (1) too short unless you taking multis. Wobelee (8) each way the next best.

RACE 9
The race: The early burn will be crucial with three potential leaders. If they go crazy then Sicario might outstay them late but if Sheriff or Pat’s Delight get the right markers run then will be hard to catch.

The bet: Pat’s Delight (2) could be the trailer and gets his chance.