Race 2: (Open Hcp 2000m)
Tempo: Average
Speed runners are (5) JUST CHARLIE and (4) MCKHAN, the former has no rider booking and would think unlikely to back up on a wet track. The latter is hard to get past when able to dictate, wet track a bonus. Keen on (7) INDIE ARDIE landed a betting sting to win at Riccarton a fortnight ago, enjoyed a soft run with cover and sprinted away once clear, a mare in form down in weight and worth sticking with up in grade, proven on softer footing.
Suggested Bet: INDIE ARDIE
Race 4: (R75 1800m)
Tempo: Average
Speed is even, (1) EIGHT PENCE takes up the running with (8) POWEROFPERSUASION handy. (5) VALLEY KING demolished his rivals and was heavily bet to do so on Day 1 of Cup week, it must be said a weak field for the grade, goes up a half kilo back to 1800m and preferred track conditions, he’s opened too short for this stronger race. Playing (10) MINESHAFT on an each-way basis, ready to win with a separation in the weights and a wet track is when he performs best, from a good draw with a good map and Lisa Allpress aboard, genuine winning claims.
Suggested Bet: MINESHAFT (BEST E/W)
Race 6: (R65 1000m)
Tempo: Above Average
(1) CHARM MANHATTAN is a well-placed gelding dropping in grade after showing a return to form last start despite being barbecued on-speed, went out too quick in the first half of the race and stuck on to the line in 2nd at 1200m. Back to 1000m where he is a course & distance winner and ridden fast once more he can pick up a rare win at the lower level.
Suggested Bet: CHARM MANHATTAN (Value)
Race 8: (R65 2590m)
Tempo: Above Average
Potential for this staying race to be run at a solid clip, (2) STRONG and (4) CELESTIAL FLAME hunt forward and (7) TETBURY can be positive with a key rider change with Bruno Queiroz taking over, forget she went around here last start, trapped three-wide on-speed throughout, game in defeat prior. (6) SECRET WISH a mare that showed plenty of promise early days, struck winning form two starts ago with blinkers on and then had pattern and pace against running a well-beaten 2nd on a heavily biased track, Matt Cartwright a positive jockey change. The winner of that race was (4) CELESTIAL FLAME very hard to catch, best is good enough but mixes form. Won’t have the favours she struck last time.
Suggested Bets: TETBURY & SECRET WISH
Race 9: (G3 Open Hcp 1600m)
Tempo: Above Average
Speed comes from (9) TOA HAKA and (10) SHAKING STEVENS utilising the claim. (4) THE SCUNNER can also race forward. Target race for (11) HAKKINEN after a career-best preparation this time in, he was game in defeat over 2000m when he had to sprint hard off a moderate tempo from midfield. Now comes back to the mile with a fitness advantage on his preferred track conditions with blinkers on and Michael McNab riding from the inside gate. Horses can be slow with blinkers on from the inside gate so the jump is crucial to his winning chances.
Suggested Bet: HAKKINEN (Best)
