Feature racing from Tauherenikau, a tight-turning circuit which can often favour horses on-speed. Track currently a Soft 6 with 66mm rain falling past 7 days, a warm day is expected and a drying track.
Race 2: (R65/1000m)
Speed is genuine with key runners drawn wide.
LADY IRIS has a ratings edge over rivals and is extremely well-placed first-up for a hot Stephen Marsh stable. Her one and only trial against the older horses at Tauranga gives plenty of confidence, kept on the bridle and never let go on a boggy track. She has exceptional gate speed and with even luck from the draw she can find a forward position and take beating.
Suggested Bet: LADY IRIS (Best)
Race 4: (MDN 1300m)
LONDON is a Capitalist filly on debut for the Gray/Queiroz combination. A S200,000 yearling, her two trials have been educational, with more intent she may have won both trials at Foxton and notably jumped better from the gates in her 2nd. Finding a weak maiden field for her debut she is suited at 1300m and hardest to beat running up to her trials. (5) MIDNIGHT TRAIN brings the best exposed form, the decision to hand up the lead at Ruakaka proved costly, Erin Leighton can make use of the ace draw.
Suggested Bet: LONDON
Race 7: WFA F&M (1600m)
Feature race on the card. Average tempo expected.
NIGELLA LANE chased a fast tempo to score first-up at Taupo to signal she’s set for a big campaign and has had an impressive trial between runs to have her primed for this target. The mare was enormous in defeat in this race last year, drifting back from the barrier she was forced to loop the field recording the fastest closing split of the meeting behind winner Reputation. Bruno Queiroz is a key rider change and will get her chance closer to the speed.
