Race 3: (Open Hcp 1600m)
Tempo: Below Average
Smallish field. Two-bet play. Speed is moderate (5) KNOCK OFF takes up the running, ran an improved race last start when he beat all but (3) BENEFACTOR who stalked in the fast lane hard up on rail and left him standing, a good mare when she strikes form and deserves to start favourite. (6) THE ENTERTAINER is the other winning hope, forget she ran at Waverley fresh, snagged back and plugged in very heavy ground. Has good figures at this track (pre-renovation) and is extremely well-weighted at 51 kilos after Tom Wigram’s claim where she can settle closer from a low draw. Ugly map for the market elect (4) AMIRA DARGENTO with the 4kg apprentice, needs luck, under the odds at the current market quote.
Suggested Bets: BENEFACTOR & THE ENTERTAINER
Race 4: (R65 1600m)
Tempo: Average
Speed comes from (6) JIM DANDY switched pattern last start to race on-speed beating a modest field, (8) ACUSHLA improved between runs and gave a strong kick winning at Wanganui, he did have race shape in favour. (9) EAGLE ROCK has blinkers added and can go forward. The topweight (1) ELIUD finds an ideal race down in grade with a tricky draw but the kicker is, he can lead if ridden with intent, impressive trial before a plain effort when outsprinted and in need of the run first-up at Te Rapa, he did finish the race off late at 1400m, step to 1600m is ideal, with any luck from the draw he’s fighting out the race.
Suggested Bet: ELIUD
Race 4: (R75 1200m)
Tempo: Above Average
The speed is hot early with a number of runners pushing forward, (1) EXIT LEFT, (4) CREMANT, (5) COCOBILL and (10) TESTING all vying for a spot up front. The local training combination of Guy Lowry & Leah Zydenbos hold a strong hand with their talented gelding (8) TESTWIN finding a seemingly perfect race with a very strong tempo to suit his racing style. His fresh record is excellent and comes in off 84 days between runs after finishing close-up at Te Rapa last start. The map is ideal landing midfield from a middle gate and expect him finishing best, we’ve marked him much shorter than what is currently available.
Suggested Bet: TESTWIN (Best)
Race 5: (R65 1600m)
Tempo: Above Average
Small field but guaranteed speed with (7) PRESTISSIMO who is quick and has one speed when she goes forward as she did last start. (4) DEEP PURSUIT was brave on-speed at Te Rapa first-up on the back of an impressive trial win, he’ll park outside leader and together ensure the speed is on for something from the back and that could be (6) ZENZERO GIRL to repeat her win at this course earlier in the campaign when backed in at odds. Mixed efforts since, latest run at open class level suggests she’s going well enough to win if the tempo suits. At the e/w odds, small play.
Suggested Bet: ZENZERO GIRL
