Race 2: (MDN 1400m)
Tempo: Average
Two-bet play. Open race, two from the trials that can improve significantly this preparation with both resuming. (8) LOFTY MANUAL has important gear changes, she wore winkers and a set of ear covers in latest trial win at Rotorua which straightened her up. A nine-start maiden, she’s shown race-winning ability throughout her career and finds a lowly maiden race to kick off the campaign. (11) LICORICE is by Savabeel and had some support at odds when debuting at Te Rapa and got it all wrong at the gates, rearing at the start. Two returning trials have been good on wet ground, has to do it on a firmer surface and how she carries herself at the start will be the key. Rated Top 3 chance in this field.
Suggested Bets: LOFTY MANUEL & LICORICE
Race 3: (MDN 1400m)
Tempo: Average
Keen on the smooth-moving colt (15) TOP MARKS, by St Marks Basillica, improved sharply on firmer ground in his latest trial at Ellerslie finishing midfield but did race ungenerously on the inside of horses in the trial and bumped when he was ready to let down, strong market support early for a stable that can produce a debutant to win especially when combining with George Rooke. Key to his chances will be keeping him off the fence which the rider will know after being aboard him in the trial. Keen to oppose (16) ELLENDALE who had every possible chance on debut outside lead in a slow race at Taupo and couldn’t quicken, stays at 1400m, fitter but a risk at the shorts.
Suggested Bet: TOP MARKS
Race 6: (3YO SW+P 1200m)
Tempo: Above Average
Boom filly (5) SHALABIYA by Brazen Beau, produced a stunning win in fast time at Ruakaka on debut courtesy of a brilliant Warren Kennedy ride to overcome a wide draw. Backed off the map to win a stakes race at start two and tried hard but was no match for the winner in a race dominated off the front. Given a freshen up and put down an impressive trial against the open class at Ellerslie last week to suggest she’s ready to fire again and fresh just may be best with this well-bred filly. Kennedy back aboard with a positive speed map, she gets her chance to win again. Best on the card.
Suggested Bet: SHALABIYA (Best)
Race 9: (R75 1400m)
Tempo: Above Average
Open race. Playing the (8) PULSATILLA a mare we were on last start where she was luckless first-up when blocked for a run at multiples stages in the straight at Ellerslie and not persevered with, margin unfair. The in-form Kyle Wilson-Taylor sticks with the mare and whilst she can mix her performances, her best early career form stacks up in this R75 field which is of moderate quality and won second-up last prep, with even luck from the draw a winning chance. Best each-way chance on the card. Two Te Akau runners at the top of the market are vulnerable, (1) ORIGIN OF LOVE, big weight in an expected fast run race, best winning chance is to avoid the speed battle, take a sit and ride for luck. (2) ZANTABULOUS needs it wet, although the speed on does suit her racing style.
Suggested Bet: PULSATILLA e/w
