Race 2: (OPEN HCP 1300m)
Tempo: Fast
As many of five can take up the running making this truly run. Map horse is (8) BIG WAVE a surprise change of tactics first-up ridden cold from a wide gate, a natural on-pacer, he added another dimension to his pattern coming from off the speed to win at Ellerslie. Trainer remarked post-race the horse was underdone. He comes here with natural improvement and gets the stalking role, leaders back on a hot speed, with luck getting off heels, a strong winning chance. (7) WAR PRINCESS took advantage of some mistimed rides at Hastings from those in the chasing pack with a bold front-running display from Toni Davies to pinch a winning break at the turn. She now has blinkers removed for this second-up assignment and Craig Grylls jumps aboard, the gear change suggests they may take a sit, she is under the odds in the market but respect the locals on their home track.
Suggested Bet: BIG WAVE
Race 4: (R75 1200m)
Tempo: Above Average
Strong tempo with key speed runners drawn out. Favourite (4) CHEERIO is the best horse in this race but has drawn a very tricky barrier and race shape with the speed underneath. Suspect George Rooke’s only chance is to go back and ride for luck. (8) GIN AND BARE IT should hold the rail and the lead from the inside draw, coming off a sound effort on a heavy track when ridden for a sit. Worth noting her career peak came at Te Rapa setting a strong speed on firmer ground when rolled late by LUMBRIDGE CASTLE now in HK. Can win this. (2) ERIN GO BRAGH is likely to sit outside the lead with his 60kg, giving that runner 5.5kg. The map horse is (11) LAURA’S LEGACY box-seating for the postman Chris Dell. Strong form lines as a 3YO and kept to the sprinting trips this campaign can see this mare improve her ratings and she represents value in this race at current market odds.
Suggested Bets: GIN AND BARE IT & LAURA’S LEGACY (Value)
Race 7: (OPEN HCP 2000m)
Tempo: Above Average
Clear standout on the card is (6) MONOLOGUE, a late-maturing mare, she’s looked after and ready to go to new level on the evidence of her first-up win at Ellerlsie. Sitting rearwards off a fast tempo, the Contributer mare stole runs up the fence with a good turn of foot to score. That fast race sets her up perfectly for her preferred distance range second-up sitting off another expected strong tempo. Joe Doyle has the ideal barrier to make sure she’s close enough to sprint best with her light weight.
Suggested Bet: MONOLOGUE (Best)
Race 8: (WFA G1 1600m)
Tempo: Above Average
Feature event on the card. Playing two runners in the market. (1) WAITAK was immense first-up in the Proisir Plate at Ellerslie, home fast up along the rail in an on-pace dominated race and strong through the line. Proven at WFA, his second-up record is outstanding and won this race last year, he will need the field to string out on the fast speed to get clear running from a lower draw. One of the key speed influences is (6) MEDIA WORLD tested at the mile, been playing second-fiddle to star sprinters Alabama Lass and stablemate WELL WRITTEN, hard and fit third-up with the ace draw, he can give a big sight in a weaker edition of this year’s G1 mile.
Suggested Bets: WAITAK & MEDIA WORLD
