Race 1: (R65 1100m)
Tempo: Above Average
The well-bred mare (7) CONVINCED has been a standout performer in her two trials this season beginning a new preparation for new trainer Benjamin King. She brings outstanding form lines from her Three-Year-Old season and is placed to win fresh up trailing a fast tempo. (3) CENTAURIAL is another to improve this campaign, black-booked at Rotorua trials on a heavy track, the Savabeel gelding looped the field to break maidens at Cambridge over 970m. Any further softening of track conditions helps his cause, however, he will give away a map advantage to key rivals.
Suggested Bet: CONVINCED (Best)
Race 4: (R75 2100m)
Tempo: Average
Forgiving of (4) ALLACES last start when a noted market drifter and taken on for the lead by the heavily backed Gate Crashers, she then lost her spot at a key stage prior to the turn and forced to chase and raced flat second-up. She’s a free-rolling mare and at her best when allowed to dictate terms as show with an impressive first-up win at Ellerlsie/1600m. Well-weighted to repeat her first-up effort with the fitness benefit of a run at 2000m. A genuine each-way chance and over the odds in early markets.
Suggested Bet: ALLACES (Value)
Race 5: (R65 1400m)
Tempo: Average
With an even speed expected, the (13) WEE NESSY creates interest as a one-win mare with a monster finish who caught the eye up on-speed in an open class heat for double Kennedy at the Avondale trials recently. That indicates a change in tactics which would give her a stronger winning chance in this field getting weight with a perfect middle draw. (8) WAIMEA BAY is a handy middle distance mare resuming off a solid trial with stable apprentice aboard at Avondale. She needs the speed on to be winning, expect a bold run fresh. (5) FLASHBACK trialled impressively at Ellerslie before a disappointing effort when every chance at Matamata, back to Ellerslie can see him improve.
Suggested Bet: WEE NESSY
Race 7: (WFA 1215m)
Tempo: Average
Moderate tempo only for the G3 sprint. Track currently a Soft 6 at time of writing and further showers expected on Friday. (3) LHASA and lightweight chance (11) PERFECT CHAOS go forward, she was heavily backed in the Herbie Dyke fresh and given a money ride by George Rooke, went into the Gold Trail Stakes a month between runs and stuck on well, race shape in her favour. Bold placement at WFA but does find a map and tempo to suit, not out of this with a strong jockey in George Rooke riding at 50kg. Map horse is (9) CHATELLE ROSE dropping in behind or sitting OSL, she’s improved her ratings this campaign returning as a 4YO mare, big win last start when fast out and fast home at Te Rapa. Every chance to remain unbeaten this campaign. Class runners (1) PLATINUM ATTACK essentially a fast run 1200m horse, the softer track is against, Bruno Queiroz has been able to put him in races earlier and that may be the key to his winning hope. Currently rock-bottom odds. (5) JAARFFI is a G1 winner with a booming finish, needs pattern to favour. (6) SPECIAL SAKURA was $26 to $10 at Hastings fresh and presented to win, fading late. Has excellent figures at Ellerslie, deserves to be in the market as an e/w chance.
Suggested Bet: CHATELLE ROSE (Best EW)
Race 9: (3YF SW 1400m)
Tempo: Average
Outside of (1) HAWEA, this an even field of fillies, HAWEA produced a high rating win fresh and then showed her versatility and toughness sitting wide on-speed to win at Hastings, which was off a 41 day gap. Whilst the win was visually impressive the moderate tempo in the race did play into her favour. She is the standout filly at this stage and can overcome a wide barrier to remain unbeaten this preparation. Her two dangers are potentially looking for more ground, (5) ASTURIA showed an impressive turn of speed in a slow race here on debut then raced without luck at Hastings, (6) DASHING DIXIE finished off hard behind HAWEA and was the best run out of the race, she looks like a miler now already. (2) LIGURIA also out of the same race fares best on the speed map and will have admirers.
Suggested Bet: HAWEA
