Race 1: (MDN 2YO&UP 1200m)
Tempo: Above Average
Good maiden. First use of the track, up and in early before they start to get move off the rail as the meeting goes on. Easy to like the impressive trial of (3) THAT’LL DO, a 6YO gelding making his debut for new trainer Daniel Miller. One trial off a 600 day break is a major concern, as is the wide draw for a speed runner fresh at 1200m. (11) RAGTIME ROSE is a big watch on debut for Debbie Sweeney, the Darci Brahma filly is a 2YO taking on the older horses and has gate speed to use the inside draw to advantage. Won both her trials with a break in between, impressive to the eye, yet to put down anything significant on the clock in either wins. (2) WISE CHOICE was specked on debut at Cambridge, let the speed go early and had to chase in a fast run race, last 200m was good work. Stable flying, will be charging late. So too (1) KAHULUI after a good debut at Te Aroha.
Suggested Bet: RAGTIME ROSE (small)
Race 3: (3YO SW+P 1400m)
Tempo: Average
The progressive gelding (2) QUONDO is placed to win again back against his own age to complete the hat-trick this campaign. A superior wet-tracker, he did enough to beat the older horses up in grade at Tauranga looping the field and was on the wrong leg up the straight. Draws a good marble to be tagging the speed runner (1) SWISS PRINCE who was entitled to show more first-up considering the run he enjoyed. Now has to carry 59kg and needs to improve.
Suggested Bet: QUONDO (Best)
Race 6: (OPEN HCP 1300m)
Most of key chances come through the same lead-up race. The market found the winner (2) REWARD SMILE who was smashed on betfair and afforded the dream run. (8) JETHRO TULL was expected on-speed and dragged back through the field in the early running. (1) LITTLE BIT OF LOVE was another thought to be on-speed and settled at the rear after a squeeze at the jump. Where they land here is anyone’s guess but expecting more speed. Siding with the fresh horse on the scene (4) WHISKY ‘N ROSES, the 4YO has a monster turn of foot and is an excellent fresh performer. A three-time winner at Te Rapa, he produced the best L800/600/400 of the meeting to win a similar open class sprint here first-up last campaign. Granted, that was at 1200m and now has to do it at 1300m. His lead in trial at Ruakaka was an impressive 2nd behind a sub winner. If the race is run to suit he will take beating.
Suggested Bet: WHISKEY ‘N ROSES
Race 7: (OPEN HCP 2200m)
Tempo: Above Average
A strong tempo is assured in the big field with the likes of (2) PACIFICO, (5) MCKHAN and (15) OVERRATED all pushing forward. The horse with the best finish is (3) TISSE and has been set for this race since his impressive return run back in early May. A surprise winner here two starts ago in a swoopers race at 1600m then given no chance up in distance at Waverley when back off the slow speed. The pace on is the key to his winning chance.
Suggested Bet: TISSE
