Race 2: (2YO SW+P 1200m)
Tempo: Average
May pay to forgive the first-up run of (6) SHE’S NO SAINT at Ellerslie, squeezed at the start, over-raced and nothing left in the straight. Her trial on a heavy track prior suggests she can improve significantly on rain-affected ground with a favourable forecast. (8) FATAL AFFAIR was a flop on debut and the market knew, big drift in betting despite the hype and pre-race chat with the stable, money never arrived. Trapped out of the speed battle early, she over-raced and did not come on in the straight. Need to see again before taking another short quote.
Suggested Bet: SHE’S NO SAINT e/w
Race 4: (MDN 2YO&UP 1200m)
Tempo: Average
Poor tactics from the rider aboard (2) MANOLETE last start handing up a soft lead. Once clear, he chased gamely to the line but no match for the winner. New rider Craig Grylls can be more positive and own this race from another low draw. Wet track only query. (8) PROMINERE is back for her 2nd race preparation and won a trial at Waipa leading in, she started a dominant market elect at Te Aroha in her latest run before the break and disappointed. Worth respecting.
Suggested Bets: MONOLETE & PROMINERE
Race 6: (OPEN 2100m)
Tempo: Average
The speed is moderate at best which set’s the race up for (12) SUPER FLY to sprint best with her impressive turn of foot, received a cool ride by Michael McNab winning here last start and can only improve at her 2nd attempt over this distance. Handles all surfaces and rates a clear top pick ahead of (2) PACIFICO enjoyed all favours lumping a big weight outside leader last start. Heavy track would be a positive, his best chance of winning is if they run along which appears unlikely.
Suggested Bet: SUPER FLY (Best)
Race 7: (3YO SW+P 1400m)
Tempo: Average
Kingsclere stables hold a strong hand with (6) COSMIC DREAM who was enormous in defeat last start, barbecued four-wide facing the breeze on a genuine tempo and kept trying to the line. Given 21 days to recover, she is well-placed as likely leader from a soft draw and should get every opportunity to run out 1400m. (5) ARWEN is a talent and was the run of the race last time out against stronger opposition than what she faces here. The map is the slight concern.
Suggested Bet: COSMIC DREAM
