Race 4: (R82 2590m)
Tempo: Average
(7) 7YO gelding MCGRATH produced an outstanding display of staying ability with just his 2nd career win, his first over ground, and dropped his head like a true pro in the run to win over 3000m. Unlucky not to be in the NZ Cup field later in the day, he comes back to 2590m against similar opposition and is weighted to win again getting in under the minimum, with a positive ride, clear horse to beat.
Suggested Bet: MCGRATH
Race 7: (OPEN HCP 1200m)
Tempo: Average
Best at odds on the card is (8) UNDISPUTED a former north islander who burst onto the southern scene with four consecutive wins and running fast times. He resumed off a short break with residual fitness at this course on Day 1 of the carnival with an immense performance, bandaged up on the firm track, he let go with a comparable final 400/200 to the winner Platinum Attack over an unsuitable 1000m. A horse who can go forward from a better draw and is over the odds as a Top 4 chance on a track with more give stepping up to 1200m. (1) PLATINUM ATTACK class runner, ideally needs firm ground to show his best and not as much speed engaged for this, no value at the quote. (9) CHEERIO has class and further upside, won at Hastings crossing from a wide gate with no pressure, freshened since, watch for any betting moves regarding fitness. (2) ARCHAIC SMILE impressed at the trials, poor fresh record is the concern, does enjoy racing out of the chute at Trentham and that may transfer to Riccarton.
Suggested Bet: UNDISPUTED (Top 4)
Race 8: (R75 1200m)
Tempo: Average
(8) ROARING BEBE was so impressive winning first-up at Riccarton on Day 1 of the carnival, the first horse backed when markets opened and turned up looking a picture in the yard and ran accordingly, won second-up previously and takes no disadvantage from a wide draw out of the chute start, M McNab takes over the riding and can travel in the run as he did winning fresh kept wide and in a good rhythm and clear horse to beat despite rising in weight. (18) QUEEN OF SHEBA was luckless in the same race, she gets a pull in the weights, the end of 1200m is her test. (17) MOON GODDESS has a good finish and can follow the speed.
Suggested Bet: ROARING BEBE (Best)
Race 9: (3YO SW 1600m)
Tempo: Average
Feature race of the day. Keen to play the fresh horse on the scene (6) THUNDER IN MOTION and a sense of timing with this well-bred 3YO. He ran well on debut in a high rating maiden when poorly-placed around the tight circuit of Taupo, he improved further into his 2nd start when supported in the small three horse field, sat off and sprinted away. A big track horse mapping for the right run meeting an even bunch, and he has the king Opie in the saddle.
Suggested Bet: THUNDER IN MOTION (Best E/W)
Race 10: (R65 2000m)
Tempo: Average
(11) DIAVOLETTO is a promising mare by Turn Me Loose, showed her capability when put into a fast run race at Waverley to clear maidens and won running away, a gap between runs and raced fresh and keen when rearwards in a slowly run race here on Day 2 which was a common theme for the afternoon, home fast when clear at the 300m and should relish the step up to 2000m on a quick back-up.
Suggested Bet: DIAVOLETTO
