Race 4: (R65 1200m)
Tempo: Above Average
A race with strong speed, notably from (1) CHARM MANHATTAN and the (5) THE CHARM. No surprise if (9) DOROTHEA pushes on from a wider draw also. Key chances come through the same race. On weight, it’s hard to ignore the enigmatic (4) THE BIG PICTURE whose graded correctly and getting in at a luxury weight of 55kg after form apprentice Tom Wigram’s claim, showed he was ready to win for new trained David Walsh with a strong finish at Timaru last start and enjoys a soft run from the draw. At double-figure odds he’s value in the early markets as a Top 3 chance. Te Akau pair hold market favouritism, (7) QUEENS EVIDENCE was ok fresh, any market support could see her ridden closer to the speed. (14) PAPER MOON trialled well, barrier is a negative.
Suggested Bet: THE BIG PICTURE (Value)
Race 6: (R65 1600m)
Tempo: Average
Two-bet play. Speed is expected to be even, key speed runners drawn out make see more tempo. (15) GRAFFITI ARTIST is ready to win with an important rider change, she’s had no luck and the pattern against in three starts, Wiremu Pinn is an excellent barrier jockey and is a chance to help her jump better and put her in a winning position from gate two. (10) CORCAIGH has put in two strong performance’s recently and also ready to win. Made ground behind sub winner Ikidunot at this track two back then savaged the line in fast closing splits from the rear at Ashburton on a day it was favouring up and in. Stable have opted for the 2kg claim of Ash Strawbridge and at double-figure odds represents value in this field. Further chances to (2) STEADFAST right form to figure, barrier is a negative, will need a good ride.
Suggested Bets: GRAFFITI ARTIST and CORCAIGH (Top 3)
Race 7: (3YO SW 1400m)
Tempo: Above Average
Best each-way of the day is (7) PLATINUM LA DANSE chasing black-type for the in-form Lisa Latta stable and jockey Bruno Queiroz starting find his best form in the saddle. Clear superior form lines to her opposition where she was competitive in the finish in the Hawkes Bay Guineas at Hastings. She was impressive closing off at Riccarton the start prior, if there’s one query it’s her determination to finish off her races. The market has her wrong price and expect her to firm closer to the jump. (5) SO FEAR comes from a level below, blinkers lit a fire under this mare at Hastings with a big win last start but must be said she was afforded all opportunity to do so with the early splits recorded. (3) OMEGA SPRINT and (9) SWORD OF STARS are progressive, the latter did enough at the short odds at the Phar Lap, needs to improve on that to be winning again.
Suggested Bet: PLATINUM LA DANSE
Race 8: (Open Hcp 1400m)
Tempo: Average
Speed is even with (6) TOA HAKA leading. (8) BRAVE SPIRIT can settle handy to the front. In behind is (5) IRON HAWK, a noted drifter at Ashburton which was track-related, fierce on-speed bias and had to lug 60kg from midfield running into a placing. Has ability the settle forward half if ridden with intent and would expect those instructions for Triston Moodley from a low barrier and well-placed in this field. (3) WITZ END comes into play if they run along early. The class runner (1) MYSTIC PARK showed a return to form last start, claims down to 60kg, deserves respect, would appreciate more tempo than what’s expected carrying topweight.
Suggested Bet: IRON HAWK (Best)
