Race 1: (MDN Hurdle 3100m)
Tempo: Above Average
With (11) MY MAEBELLINE GIRL making her jumping debut we can expect the race to be run at speed as she only knows one way. The benefactor of that pace will be (10) LAE ZEE a lightly tried mare and backmarker with a big finish, she too is also on debut over the jumps and on trial at the trip, two recent trials winning her latest at Cambridge and finds a good race to be competitive. (5) ALMALANE had strong market support at Hawera on the flat and no match for the impressive stablemate on the day, wary of sharp improvement. (1) RED NED hard to fault coming out of stronger races. No value at the price.
Suggested Bet: LAE ZEE
Race 2: (MDN 1400m)
Tempo: Average
Two first starters have been progressing well at the trials ahead of their debuts today. (6) DRAGONSTONE is a big and strong 3YO gelding with a good action and has shown up across multiple preparations, likely to take a sit, he should appreciate any deteriorating track conditions. (12) QUEEN SANSA is a Jon Snow filly with excellent gate speed, jockey Corentin Berge should be looking to replicate her latest trial win by going to the front and giving her chance in a race lacking notable speed.
Suggested Bets: DRAGONSTONE & QUEEN SANSA
Race 3: (STEEPLE 3500m)
Tempo: Average
The (7) LORD SPENCER is the bet of the day, made a great start to the preparation on the flat and ran a good 4th last start in a hurdle race which is expected to prove a key form reference in coming weeks. He is an extremely well-placed horse stepping out over the steeples for the first time, maps to get on or stalking the lead speed and is the clear top pick.
Suggested Bet: LORD SPENCER
Race 7: (MDN 2YO&UP 1600m)
Tempo: Average
(8) ARTFUL DODGER started in the market on debut after good showings at the trials and was given no winning chance from the start, sat on too long he was left with too much ground to make up and finished off his race strongly. Extra distance suits, new rider, again drawn out and will need a well-timed ride but looks up to the task in this field.
Suggested Bet: ARTFUL DODGER
Race 9: (R75 2200m)
Tempo: Average
Blinkers have had the desired effect on the lightly-raced (8) WHATHEMANSAW with improved performances in recent runs including back-to-back wins on rain-affected tracks. The latest a tough win at Rotorua sitting wide throughout in a fast race relative to the class. With rain forecast on the day he is in this race a long way despite rising in grade.
Suggested Bet: WHATTHEMANSAW
