Race 2: (MDN 1200m)
Tempo: Above Average
Speed is on early. (12) WOMAN IN CHARGE is a four start maiden, unlucky not to win one early at Taupo giving away too much ground in running, firm tracks are the key. She has a change-up speed which her opposition don’t have and lines up for the flying Tangerine team first-up with Opie Bosson aboard. There’s enough speed up front to bring Opie home on her and will only need luck getting off heels in the straight. (1) HERVEY BAY is race-fit and an obvious threat, (5) O’HELLO has promised more than he’s delivered to date, fresh up, wary of any improvement. And (4) OUR LYKOI has some ability, stable’s runners having a good time at present.
Suggested Bet: WOMAN IN CHARGE
Race 3: (MDN 1600m)
Tempo: Average
Very limited maiden race, however, there are two promising types engaged. (9) ENDLESS NIGHT was a sectional star from off the speed in a stronger race at Ellerslie than what he faces here, McNab up, barrier one is the only negative as horse lacks tactical speed. (1) ARTFUL DODGER had heavy market support at Tauranga returning from a break without a trial, he made ground in 3rd, he can improve sharply into this race as he was fresh in the pre-race and may have needed the run on that occasion. Wide draw but has Opie Bosson to overcome. (13) SOVRANA chased home a fast lead speed at Rotorua finishing over the top of sub winner Celebrate Now, it was a spike performance, need to see her do it again.
Suggested Bets: ENDLESS NIGHT & ARTFUL DODGER
Race 5: (3YO SW+P 1400m)
Tempo: Average
Plunge horse (5) WITHALLMYSTRENGTH landed big bets to win on debut at this track over 1200m, he firmed again post-parade as he was clearly wound up and ready on the day and found the money spot in the run, leaders back on a solid clip and raced away, a soft win so should come here with plenty in reserve and is well-placed to repeat the effort stepping up to 1400m. (9) GIGI’S PRAYER debuted soft in the market after impress it was a soft win ive trials where she showed a real competitive streak to chase the line in her heats, after a good beginning she was taken back for a good experience and ran on best from the rear at Tauranga, the race was dominated by those on-speed, her effort had plenty of merit. More intent and she can figure prominently at a price here and rates a Top 3 chance.
Suggested Bet: WITHALLMYSTRENGTH and GIGI’S PRAYER (Top 3)
Race 6: (R65 1600m)
Tempo: Average
Lack of speed should see (7) WEE NESSY take a more forward position with a rider change as she did with an impressive trial leading into her first-up run where she was flopped out the back and a tragedy beat, home in lightning splits. From a perfect draw expect her on-speed with a tactical advantage over (2) NAVY DREAMS a most impressive winner of the $100K special conditions race at Hastings, arguably better on softer footing and has a very sticky barrier draw and speed map, if he tries to push forward there is every chance he’s hung out and barbecued, for a promising horse early in the prep, risky business.
Suggested Bet: WEE NESSY (Next Best)
Race 8: (WFA 2000m)
Tempo: Above Average
A fast tempo is likely with the free rolling (2) EL VENCEDOR setting up the race for (10) TOP SHELF to continue her progression this preparation into a G3 victory. Her form coincides with the stables recent form and the map is supreme for this mare to use the low draw chasing from midfield. She was narrowly beaten in the G3 Easter Hcp fourth-up last preparation and now goes to 2000m for the first time since running 2nd to Leica Lucy as a filly. Her form is outstanding and is a deserved favourite. (9) WHO KNOWS was enormous in the G1 Livamol behind Waitak at Hastings, she’s capable on her day but a dry track works against her.
Suggested Bet: TOP SHELF (Best)
Race 9: (R65 1300m)
Tempo: Average
On-pacers suited by the map. Followers of trial reports will note (10) CURVED GLORY is forward to return for Donna Logan and placed in a winnable 1300m race first-up, a lightly raced mare and a debut winner at the course, she had a tendency to carry her head high when under pressure in her 1st campaign. No signs of that when asked to extend and finish off at the trials. A good beginner who can hold a position from barrier two and will be strong late at the end of 1300m. The speed comes from (11) ECHANNAY and (1) NAVY ENSIGN, interesting runner is (13) PALLADIUM dual-nominated on the day, jumped fast to win well on debut beating a moderate bunch, trialled nicely prior and another who can go forward.
Suggested Bet: CURVED GLORY (Top 3)
Race 10: (R75 1300m)
Tempo: Fast
Expecting big improvement from (13) THUMBELINA second-up after impressive trials and lacklustre intent first-up at Matamata getting too far back in a fast race and making ground late. The map is friendly and this could be a target race switching right-handed where she put down high-rating performances at the lower levels last campaign. With extreme speed expected she has a smart turn of foot to take the gaps and quicken with hot jock Michael McNab steering. Best value bet of the day.
Suggested Bet: THUMBELINA (Value)
