Race 1: (2YO/1100m)
Even race for juveniles outside of (4) SEIZE THE DAY a debutant for the leading 2YO stable of Walker & Bergerson. The colt should be well-educated given five trials across two preparations. Blinkers had desired effect in his latest trial win recording a slick time and profiles as the horse to beat. (10) SUMMER SCHEME is a speed filly by Dirty Work, Grylls aboard from an inside lane, likely to lead. (5) MAYDAY has been strong at the end of his trials, watch for him late.
Suggested Bet: SEIZE THE DAY
Race 4: (3YO SW+P/1400m)
Tempo: Above average
Two best suited by the speed are (6) PANTHER with blinkers added, strange run in defeat last start drifting back through the field in the first half of the race, alas the leader left unchallenged going on to win. Craig Grylls back aboard could see improved positioning combined with the benefit of head gear. He has a map advantage over NZB KIWI aspirant (8) BELLE CHEVAL who is having her final lead-up to her target race next month, she benefits from a number of horses keen to get on the speed early ensuring the race is truly run, expect her closing off strongly out wide.
Suggested Bet: PANTHER
Race 7: (Group 3/2400m)
Tempo: Above average
Open edition of the Avondale Cup, GILLIAN has been ultra-consistent in her three previous runs for this tilt at Group 3 level and was game in the chase at Te Rapa last start in an on-pace dominated race. She drops in weight, has form rider of Sam Collett in the saddle for her return to Ellerslie and can settle forward half. Rated Top 4 chance in this field and value in early markets. (17) THE PRECURSOR is a progressive stayer and rated well at Trentham for this class rise, needs another positive ride from the wide barrier, scope to improve further out to 2400m and is the one to beat with luck in running.
Suggested Bet: GILLIAN & THE PRECURSOR
Race 8: (3YO F/Group 1/2400m)
Tempo: Even
ULTIMATE HABIT is on a sharp rise after a dominant performance at Trentham at her 1st attempt over ground winning the Lowland Stakes, she produced slick closing sectionals in the process. Trialled impressively between runs defeating a good field of older horses over 1100m, her first time right-handed. A relation to the champion ROUGH HABIT, she’s progressing nicely and poses the biggest threat to OHOPE WINS, another well-bred mare who continues to sit off slow speeds and monster her opposition. Both fillies start their runs from a similar position, the best stayer wins. FLY ZENNO is an improving mare, switched her pattern around at Te Rapa and stuck on ok, any rain a bonus, the best at odds.
Race 9: (Open Hcp/1200m)
Tempo: Fast
Any race with (10) SHOES engaged is invariably run at good speed as she’s a one-dimensional horse. Race sets up for (14) I’M ALL IN to be very competitive after producing an excellent effort first-up at Trentham behind Archaic Smile, ridden with more intent under Dan Stackhouse, the addition of ear covers also had a positive effect. Warren Kennedy replaces and has been aggressive on this gelding previously so expecting the same, drawn to tag the speed and among the key chances. The market may come for (6) ESPIONAGE back from G1 level, wore blinkers and went forward in a recent trial between runs, under pressure to win the trial so a query on where he’s at.
Suggested Bet: I’M ALL IN
