Race 1: (3YO SW+P 1400m)
Tempo: Average
The early money has found (1) EXCITE a well-bred colt destined to improve into his 3YO season as breeding suggests, one trial at Cambridge against the open class and top echelon of horses in the country and did not look out of place finishing 5/8 under a quiet ride. Drawn wide, George Rooke may have to use him early to get across and try lead (which is not the rider’s default position) from (2) PROTEUS and (5) STATE THE OBVIOUS who are drawn together down low. Respect the colt’s ability but is currently under the odds with the speed map and yet to record anything significant on the clock in his four career starts to date. (3) RAYMOND caught the attention on debut before spelling and again upon return at Cambridge Trials, one of the star performers on the day, snagged early and let go late, showing a great action in his trial. Will give them a start, however, more than enough scope to be competitive in this field and is a bet at each-way odds.
Suggested Bet: RAYMOND
Race 5: (MAAT 1200m)
Tempo: Above Average
With a strong tempo from key speed runners drawn wide, the race can set up for (14) MISS MAGNETICA to break through for a maiden win. Desperately unlucky first-up at Te Rapa when never got a chance to improve in behind runners, that followed an impressive trial leading in suggesting significant improvement as a 3YO filly by Contributer. Although taking on race winners, she meets an even bunch in a big field and should get her chance to come down the middle with the expected strong tempo.
Suggested Bet: MISS MAGNETICA
Race 6: (R65 1600m)
Tempo: Above Average
Again, another race where the majority of speed comes from wide gates, and the likelihood of another strong tempo. The clear standout is (1) DROMMY who produced a career-best in defeat last start. Up in grade but the market knew all about it, heavily-supported and ran the best closing splits of the meeting after being ridden cold at the tail from a wide gate, the moderate tempo proving the difference between he and the winner Zenith. Blinkers are an important gear change for a horse with the obvious ability but mixing his performance and now has the prospect of being able to use a good draw and settle just behind the speed. Playing one at longer odds with the favourite. (10) ALLACES improved her performance last campaign with the addition of blinkers and has more ability than her record indicates, comes in off 70 days without a trial and is back in trip, capable of winning this if ready. (7) BILLY BLINX was racing well in 65 grade he was then luckless at Te Rapa when stepping up in grade, horror draw, will need luck but can figure for the exotics.
Suggested Bets: DROMMY & ALLACES
Race 8: (R75 1300m)
Tempo: Above Average
More speed again, a fast tempo almost guaranteed in this race with the one-dimensional (2) BIG WAVE setting the pace. Two-bet play and both enjoy map favours in behind the leader. (5) TAJANA is the class runner of the field, demolished her rivals with an unexpected performance in the Breeders Stakes at Ruakaka this time last year, that was on a heavy track, her least preferred footing. One trial at Cambridge this time, no guide, ridden quiet at the back of a hot field. What Sam McNab does from the gates is key, if he can trail behind using the 2kg claim to advantage she has a winning chance. (10) PULSATILLA saves her best for Ellerslie and has a good turn of foot. She can race handy to the speed with a quality rider aboard in KWT.
Suggested Bets: TAJANA & PULSATILLA
Race 9: (Proisir Plate – WFA 1400m Group 1)
Tempo: Above Average
Feature race. Speed is expected to be strong with (12) ALABAMA LASS and (7) MEDIA WORLD likely to repeat their forward pairing of the Foxbridge Plate when they ran 1st & 2nd. On their hammer this time is the unbeaten and most exciting filly in Australasia, (15) WELL WRITTEN. Resuming, two trials, asked to extend in her latest Taupo win and did so in fine style. Drawn a perfect marble with the speedster Alabama Lass to her inside, she then has two options, sit outside the lead or take a drop in behind her if stablemate Media World kicks up to hold Alabama Lass out. Clear horse to beat. Expecting a more conservative Alabama Lass this time as she does need to stretch to 1400m. Fighting out the minor money is (8) TARDELLI home in fast splits in the Foxbridge, better suited at 1400m and at Ellerslie. (14) MOXIE saves her best for Ellerslie and can reel off a big L400/200.
Suggested Bet: WELL WRITTEN (play multiples with 3,8,14)
