Race 3: (R65 2100m)
Tempo: Above Average
On paper, there is a strong speed expected. (6) CASTLE ROCK and (1) HAKATA BAY most likely to lead, (3) FASTDEELDUN has blinkers added and goes forward. The race sets up for a horse like (10) BARCELONA a frustrating mare early in her career when she didn’t know how to win, her past two efforts have her in good form and really pinned the ears back and chased the line hard to score at Te last start. If the race is truly run as expected, she can produce a big finish under Opie Bosson. Rated Top 4 chance in this field.
Suggested Bet: BARCELONA (Roughie)
Race 4: (OPEN 1400m)
Tempo: Average
With a track upgrade expected, (8) DREAM OF THE MOON maps to get a soft lead with only (6) MOSCHINO coming across for a look. Stepping up in grade, drops 5kg for a game defeat at Ellerslie last start where she was strongly-supported at a price to win. Controlling the tempo she gets her chance. (5) FINANCIER finds the trail behind, he was ok at Taupo fresh, may need one more. (7)TAKESHI had excuses last time out and can improve.
Suggested Bet: DREAM OF THE MOON (Best)
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Race 5: (R65 1200m)
Tempo: Above Average
The speed engaged is drawn wide, (3) SWEET SMILE draws the pole, the former HK galloper broke maidens at Pukekohe last start in a strong form race (3rd,4th,5th all subsequent winners) maps to land behind the speed and awaiting a run. A solid each-way chance if the gaps come his way. (5) LE JACQUES CARTIER broke maidens on the same day and ran a similar figure, Bosson rode, pushed out final 100m, scope to improve further, has tactical speed to overcome the barrier and also a winning chance.
Suggested Bets: SWEET SMILE & LE JACQUES CARTIER
Race 6: (OPEN 2100m)
Tempo: Average
(7) MALDINI was enormous in defeat at Matamata when kicking for home and left a sitting shot late fresh off 64 days. The gap between showed in the run as he over-raced and was keen in behind the speed, that effort tops him off nicely for this where he reunites with Sam McNab claiming and maps to hug the rail as he did winning a similar race at Ellerslie, two starts ago. (6) SAVOIR FAIRE kept his excellent third-up record intact at Matamata and will be looking to run him down again. (2) KIWI SKYHAWK produced strong closing splits in the G3 Avondale Cup, the map is a query, potentially buried from the inside draw and a job for new rider Warren Kennedy.
Suggested Bet: MALDINI
