Race 1: (MDN 3YO 1200m)
Tempo: Average
All the interest from a betting perspective is with the unraced debutants, leading chance is (13) SHORE BREEZE stepping out for the powerful 3YO barn of Kingsclere stables. A Too Darn Hot filly with a beautiful action. Two trials, first of those n December last year, appears to have improved significantly in the time away with a recent trial at Cambridge kept hard on the bridle in 2nd under George Rooke, not out to chase time. A half to Classico, her only win came on a H10, our only guide to her chances on wet ground. Stablemates (15) ELEGANTE is a big, long-striding filly by Hello Youmzain is sure to get over further and should be doing best work late at the end of 1200m. (1) SPELLBOUND has not been able transfer trial efforts to race-day. Drawn low, can push forward.
Suggested Bet: SHORE BREEZE
Race 4: (3YO SW+P 1400m)
Tempo: Average
A good race for the (7) GROCER’S GIRL to be winning 2nd up after she was strongly-supported late in betting here fresh. After a good beginning the rider gave up the early advantage to take a sit in behind an eventual slow lead speed, and subsequently outsprinted. Stepping up to 1400m is ideal and receives visiting Aussie hoop Kyle Wilson-Taylor who is just starting to find his feet in NZ and riding well. Small field, positive intent, hard to beat. (2) SYSTEM OF PLAY has been put up a warm favourite on the strength of his high-rating debut win at Te Rapa when he flashed home off a good tempo. Trials have been average to return and will have to do it off a slower expected speed at 1400m first-up, hard against at the current market quote.
Suggested Bet: GROCER’S GIRL
Race 5: (R75 1600m)
Tempo: Above Average
A field of nine and plenty of speed engaged. (1) OVERRATED back in winning form landing a betting plunge at Te Aroha ($9 – $3.6) and goes forward outside expected leader (7) ALLACES another last start winner, strong at the end of an Ellerslie 1600m after crossing from a wide gate, staying at the mile is a concern.(2) ZENITH and (4) RUA ROCKS can both add speed in what should be a truly run race. For that reason, (8) GETAWAY can land a perfect spot in behind after running well fresh off a break, it was a fast run race and she was chasing the lead speed a long way out. Softer track conditions combined with added fitness and a good map, she’s the best on the card.
Suggested Bet: GETAWAY (Best)
Race 7: (R75 1200m)
Tempo: Average
Expecting a big performance from the lightly tried 5YO gelding (7) GOLDEN WINGS resuming and mapping to get a soft, uncontested lead using his excellent gate speed. He’s been unlucky and not always ridden to advantage in his seven-start career to date, he comes in off a sweet trial win at Te Rapa and finds a suitable race to be winning. Only limited exposure on wet ground, his trial efforts suggest he can excel in the softer footing. Wary of the Kingsclere mares resuming in (9) CONFESARA and (12) FAIRY DREAM, both have class, banking on the 1200m being too sharp for them first-up.
Suggested Bet: GOLDEN WINGS (Next Best)
Race 8: (OPEN HCP 1400m)
Tempo: Average
For a big field, there is a distinct lack of speed runners with only (10) PERFECT DIVIDENDS and (4) RIVERPLATE – if he jumps or is ridden forward which is his normal pattern. (13) WAR QUEEN can also push forward if George Rooke chooses to, not the rider’s preferred position. From the trials, course specialists (6) ARABIAN SONGBIRD and (3) CANNON HILL have impressed, the Pike-trained gelding has had three trials and the latest was smart work with race-day winkers back on. Claimer engaged suggests intent and represents the value in this field as a runner who can take an early position if asked. Rated Top 3 chance.
Suggested Bets: ARABIAN SONGBIRD & CANNON HILL (Value)
