Race 5: (R75 1560m)
Tempo: Above Average
Speed should be genuine, (10) WAR QUEEN is ready to win, excuses fresh lost a plate/pattern against at Trentham, then close-up 2nd in a good race at Ellerslie, she maps for the money run stalking the lead speed, any rain arriving is an advantage and hard to beat. (6) LOVACI had a change of tactics to control a weaker race putting the small field to the sword at this course last start, her best is good enough. How they ride her is now a guess. (7) AMIRA D’ARGENTO is progressive, improved performances since joining the new stable and consolidated consistent form winning at Te Rapa. (8) NANCY SHE WROTE will get last crack at them out wide if they go hard enough.
Suggested Bet: WAR QUEEN win
Race 6: (R65 2200m)
Tempo: Above Average
With an expected strong tempo, topweight (1) SQUIRE appeals as the best stayer in this field, showed promise as a young horse and now thriving as he relished the pace on at Te Rapa to reel in the speed runners for a last start win and he was dogged in defeat at Te Aroha in the run prior. A number of runners will look to set this up for him with 10,12,13 all pushing for a forward spot early. Apprentice Jack Taplin can sit midfield and take off early aided by his 3kg claim coming into play late.
Suggested Bet: SQUIRE
Race 7: (OPEN 2200m)
Tempo: Above Average
Another race expected to be run at speed. (13) PROBOY was heavily-backed to win at Otaki last start and they did not go hard, he was brave but outsprinted to the line. He now steps into what should be a fast race where he can balance up early and finish strong, a progressive stayer and can measure up. (2) PACIFICO led and beat two sub winners at Te Aroha then a forgive last start when apprentice dropped anchor to a walk in the Hawkes Bay Cup and was caught napping, swooped on, he fought back but damage done. Going well, maps to go forward on a fast tempo, needs some luck.
Suggested Bet: PROBOY
Race 8: (WFA F&M SW+P 1400m)
Tempo: Average
Both speed horses have the quality to control this race. And (6) KITTY FLASH is suited best either leading or outside lead after a gallant run at Otaki sticking on into 3rd after being caught up in a hectic speed battle. There was strong support to suggest she’s at her top and now back against her own sex at WFA level she is clear horse to beat. (11) HONEY BADGER appeals at odds, high rating performances on wet tracks and defeated a sub winner last start, wetter the better.
Suggested Bet: KITTY FLASH & HONEY BADGER
