Race 1: (2YO 800m)
Tempo: Above Average
A field of debutants for the early season 2YO’s so we’re looking for the most professional and mature of these stepping out. Clear standouts from trials were (3) ZANARDI a Spirit Of Boom colt out of the mare Pazienza and throws to the dam as a speedy, precocious type by Written Tycoon. He displayed those traits winning his one and only trial at Avondale. (2) HEZANICON is by Hanseatic and has a lovely action, he relaxed into the bridle with his head on his chest winning a trial at Foxton. Trained by Lisa Latta, a stable not noted for producing debut winners but does look to have more scope. (1) DON GIUSEPPE handled wet conditions as he’s bred to do winning a Rotorua trial. Worth respecting if the track softens.
Suggested Bet: ZANARDI
Race 2: (R65 2200m)
Tempo: Above Average
Improved performances from the stayer (6) MALIBU last campaign and flowed through to her first-up run at 1600m at Hastings where she was home with the best L600 of a slow race dominated by those up front. Horse to beat is (1) ELIUD looking to find his best form after a slow start to the preparation, his closing 2nd last start has him ready to win and is well-weighted after the claim. (2) TUKITUKI is the race leader and knows only one way, expect this to be truly run. (
Suggested Bets: ELIUD and MALIBU (Value)
Race 5: (SP COND 1400m)
Tempo: Above Average
A good field assembled with $100,000 stake money up for grabs. A strong tempo expected suiting the best maiden in the country (5) NAVY DREAMS impressive in defeat at Hastings first-up from a bad barrier, that followed on from his outstanding trial at Rotorua for the new stable and appears set to peak here second-up from a soft draw at 1400m, any softening of the track conditions further enhance his winning chance. (1) BUNKER HILL is another appreciating a strong speed, home in fast splits at Te Rapa, still lightly tried and on the up, one to consider at a price. Ditto (9) HIGH ROCK if playing the multiples.
Suggested Bet: NAVY DREAMS (Best)
Race 7: (R75 1200m)
Tempo: Fast
A number of speed influences come together over 1200m. All drawn wide. (2) GOLDEN WINGS is the starting point in the race, money was relentless first-up and controlled the speed at a genuine clip. He has upside and may prove too good on class alone, however, more pressure expected around him with (1) SHOWBASTIAN COE underneath him with blinkers on, (7) ARGO and (4) GRINZINGER MOON also going forward. The horse with the best closing speed in this race at this level is (3) KOSTA currently $31 in the early markets. If the race is run to the speed map and he’s within striking distance at the turn, a blowout chance at odds.
Suggested Bets: GOLDEN WINGS & KOSTA $31 (Top 4)
Race 9: (WFA 2040m)
Tempo: Average
Feature race. Even speed only for this Group 1 WFA contest over 2040m. Key chances follow each other out of the Howden Mile won by (1) WAITAK brave in the finish and most notably was underdone going into the race. Another set to peak third-up and maps to enjoy the best run of the race trailing the speed, if there’s a negative, his best efforts come on a stronger tempo’s than what is expected. (5) TUXEDO is right in the market on his narrow defeat in the Howden Mile, nothing between the two at the line and past the post, a softening track may favour, the knock is his will to win in a tight finish. Opie sticks. (2) SHE’S A DEALER had her chance to beat the big guns last start and wasn’t strong enough late. She is the one most advantaged by the rise to 2000m.
Suggested Bet: None
Race 10: (R75 1600m)
Tempo: Below Average
Rider engagements hold the key in this 1600m race lacking tempo. There is only two expected speed runners. (4) PROMETHEUS and (6) ORIGIN OF LOVE, Michael McNab can take advantage of the inexperienced 4kg claimer aboard his speed rival and use the inside to dictate terms at a moderate clip off the front, a profile which has produced two of her three career wins to date. A strong winning chance to continue the hot form of Te Akau in the last race of the day. The best at odds in this field is (14) FRENCH THINKER, she is first-up at 1600m and her first-up run at this distance last campaign produced a strong figure winning at Te Rapa. Awkward barrier draw, a Top 4 chance.
Suggested Bets: ORIGIN OF LOVE (Next Best) & FRENCH THINKER $16 (Top 3)
