Race 2: (R75 2100m)
Tempo: Average
A number of runners jumping in distance on what should be an even gallop, the impressive last start win by in-form mare (11) SUPER FLY can measure up in this higher grade. She sat three-wide exposed behind a genuine tempo and dug deep to score at the mile. She has an excellent turn of foot and saves her best for Ellerslie, with any luck from the gate a strong each-way chance.
Suggested Bet: SUPER FLY
Race 3: (2YO SW 1600m)
Tempo: Average
Easy to like is the short-priced favourite (1) EXCITE a well-bred Wootton Bassett colt building an impressive CV. He finally gets to a distance range he’s bred to appreciate and consolidated his strong early form winning at Te Rapa when given a soft run in behind and cuddled to the line, that followed a glorified barrier trial in the Sires Produce Stakes so he comes here with plenty still in the tank and does hold an outstanding trial win right-handed way of going. The short price reflects the quality of opposition and this is his race to lose.
Suggested Bet: EXCITE (Best)
Race 5: (3YO SW+P 1100m)
Tempo: Above Average
Switching right-handed had a positive effect on (8) BIDING MY TIME stamping herself a progressive galloper with a dominant maiden win in fast time at this course which has proven a strong form reference. Backed for plenty first-up wearing ear covers first time, she crossed from a wide gate on a fast tempo and kept running at 1200m. Back in distance to 1100m, doubt this is a negative, a free rolling horse, the speed on suits her style. (3) BULGARI got back and rattled home in the high-rating G3 Breeders Stakes, the speed on here will suit and looks the danger. No shock if the market comes for (2) KINGS ENGLISH with the ratings profile to win, never in the hunt in the same race as Bulgari, his past two efforts either side of a spell create doubt on how well he is going after looking very promising early in his career.
Suggested Bet: BIDING MY TIME & BULGARI
Race 6: (R75 1100m)
Tempo: Above Average
The speed is on early. Key chances centre around (7) GRINZINGER MOON joining the long list of overseas visitors dominating the local ranks on arrival. Sat outside an even tempo and too strong late. This much harder and a tricky barrier to overcome. (3) MISS BO PEEP was specked at a price fresh and rolled to the front from a wide gate and gifted an easy lead to score at Te Rapa. More pressure this time, does have upside. (4) REPTAK excels early in his preparations and looked enormous with an impressive trial at Tauranga. The draw and map is favourable trailing a fast speed and rates a winning chance representing value in the markets.
Suggested Bet: REPTAK (Value)
Race 7: (R65 1300m)
Tempo: Above Average
Speed drawn out should ensure the race is run at pace early. If that is the case, there is a nice run presenting for last start winner (16) DURRANI fresh out of maiden grade for an in-form stable, the mare is improving with racing and was given a brilliant Sam Collett ride when put into the race at a key stage here last start holding on to defeat sub winner Luvabeel in the process. A good beginner, expect Sam Collett pushing up to hold a spot in behind the speed and looking for gaps late. Profiles as the best roughie on the card.
Suggested Bet: DURRANI (Roughie)
