Race 2: (2YO 1300m)
Tempo: Average
The Roger James & Robert Wellwood stable look to have a promising 2YO in (7) NANESSE making her debut in a winnable race. Three trials, improving on each, defeated a sub winner at Taupo then finished off her work well over 1000m at Avondale to suggest she can run out a strong 1300m on debut. With the key scratching of (1) INCANDESCENT she profiles as the horse to beat.
Suggested Bet: NANESSE
Race 4: (R65 1200m)
Tempo: Above Average
(8) EAST END LAD ran up to his improved showing at the trials with an excellent finish at Hawera first-up, slow out and last early before running on strongly into 3rd in an on-paced dominated race, he needs the speed on to figure at this level and there is a good tempo expected. (13) AVANTAGGIA had excuses fresh when heavily-backed against the older horses at Matamata when trapped wide throughout on a fast pace, not knocked around in the straight running on. Softer draw this time, winning chance.
Suggested Bets: AVANTAGGIA & EAST END LAD
Race 5: (OPEN HCP 1200m)
Tempo: Fast
Track conditions crucial, currently a S6. If we improve towards a good surface by this stage of the day (2) PLATINUM ATTACK is a bet. The market found him late at Trentham in the Lightning Hcp last start and received a money ride from Bruno Queiroz. He was enormous in defeat this course & distance in the Levin Stakes late last year and in a race with so much speed up front he easy to like. (1) NAVIGATOR was the run of the race in the Lightning Hcp, the map is ugly from the wide gate, potentially wide throughout carrying top weight. Early market support for (10) KITTY FLASH is interesting, first trial was excellent, in the latest trial her action was poor. Her performance to stick on at Te Rapa in the G3 J Swap Sprint was impressive and is resuming off 119 days for an elite first-up stable but she will receive plenty of pressure in the run. Soft track conditions are the key for her winning chance.
Suggested Bet: PLATINUM ATTACK
Race 8: (R75 1600m)
Tempo: Average
Progressive 4YO (10) PLAIN SAILING was one of the best performances of the meeting at Trentham last start, held up at key stages and shifted wide to the inferior ground to make his run, he launched late and savaged the line. This a steep class rise, however, the race falls away quickly and he maps for a soft run on or just behind an even speed, a repeat of his last start effort puts him in winning contention. (4) COULTHARD is a backmarker with a poor win strike rate, drawn out, racing well and building to a win. Hard to take a short quote with his racing style.
Suggested Bet: PLAIN SAILING
