Race 2: (R65 1200m)
Tempo: Above Average
Speed drawn wide, expect it genuine up front. (12) THUMBELINA is a progressive filly by Per Incanto, impressive splits coming from last at Pukekohe behind two sub winners then produced a herculean performance sitting wide throughout and racing away for a soft win to clear maidens. A similar performance would measure up to this higher level and only needs to be midfield from her good draw to be within striking distance. Handles wet.
Suggested Bet: THUMBELINA (Best)
Race 3: (2YO SW 1200m)
Tempo: Average
Improvement shown from (4) SPELLBOUND at the Ellerslie trials sporting blinkers, he wore the gear in his previous run before the break and has looked a more focused and professional racehorse winning his only trial late in the day on a choppy track. He will undoubtedly make a better 3YO but can improve sharply in this his 2nd race campaign. Perfect draw to be handy and strong late. Respecting (10) MISS JANET if she jumps clean, backed in on debut and had no luck.
Suggested Bet: SPELLBOUND
Race 7: (G3 OPEN 1600m)
Tempo: Above Average
Hard to fault the form of (8) ELLE SOURIT who stepped up into open class going to the mile last start and was defeated for the first time in her career, albeit narrowly, winner PACIFICO enjoyed saloon run and franked the form with an unlucky defeat in the Hawkes Bay Cup when poorly rated. Third placed AWHINA has since won. This mare has shown an impressive turn of foot and when the speed is on and race sets up well for her to fight out the finish coming wide late in the day.
Suggested Bet: ELLE SOURIT
Race 8: (R75 1400m)
Tempo: Average
Speed only even. If the track is nearing the heavy range late in the day with rain forecast then Proisir filly (16) WAR QUEEN is a genuine winning chance, pay to forgive first-up run at Trentham when slow out, over-raced and lost a plate in running. She worked home as well as could be expected with track pattern against. Craig Grylls can give her every chance on-speed. MID OCEAN has trialled impressively to return, unknown on a wet track and has a wide draw to overcome. (17) GOLDILUXE is a mare ready to win, impressive at the trials and luckless first-up at Pukekohe. Always shown good talent and possesses a fast-finishing burst when ridden cold, the wide gate allows that. Worth a spec at the odds.
Suggested Bet: WAR QUEEN & GOLDILUXE
