Wingatui hosts their blockbuster Otago Classics Day on Saturday, headlined by the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge WFA, as well as multiple Listed races on the day.
The forecast for Wingatui is mild and clear, which should see the track in fine order for racing on Saturday.
Track: Soft6 (likely Good4/Soft5 on Saturday)
Rail: True
Tips for each of the 10 races out of Wingatui below!
Tommy Perfect (4) has been a bit hit and miss since heading to the South Island.
He maps to land a forward position from the low draw, which should see him given every chance in a race with very little tempo.
His best would almost certainly win this and he looks to get every opportunity to find his best.
1 Unit – Tommy Perfect (4)
Quisiera (4) is first-up here having last been seen running 3rd to Cool Aza Rene during NZ Cup Week.
She has trialled up nicely in readiness for this and while she has drawn the outside gate, I didn’t think this was the strongest 2yo field.
1 Unit – Quisiera (4)
American Cheval (13) fought on gamely last start after racing keenly throughout the early stages and getting into a two-horse war for the first half of the race.
I don’t see the drop back to 1200m as a negative, she maps to position handy to the speed from a low draw and should be thereabouts in this field.
1 Unit – American Cheval (13)
Move On (13) was well supported last start and didn’t run up to market expectations, where it was reported post-race that she didn’t handle the sharp turning track.
Back at her local track, I think a much-improved run can be expected.
The only sticking point for mine is the wide draw, however, we’re getting the right price to find out.
1 Unit – Move On (13)
The Princie One (1) won very easily here over 1200m last start, where she overcame what looked to be a tricky map from a wide barrier.
She now steps up to 1400m, which shouldn’t be any issue if she can find a handy position with cover from the low draw.
Looks well placed to make it three in a row.
2 Units – The Princie One (1)
Shoes (13) is a speedy mare who will carry just 52kg after Donovan Cooper’s claim.
Her best asset is her barrier manners and acceleration for that first furlong of the race.
Back around a bend and a shorter straight, I think Shoes can give a big sight in this.
2 Units – Shoes (13)
Show Pony (1) deserves to be favourite in this going off his past couple of runs.
He gets a significant swing in barrier draws to last start, which should see him getting an economical run midfield.
With even luck in the run, he clearly shapes as the horse to beat for mine.
2 Units – Show Pony (1)
Smooth Operator (7) was very unlucky at Invercargill last start when carrying heavy market support.
He is a pretty versatile type, therefore he can be ridden as he jumps and Tina Comignaghi can hopefully sum things up pretty quickly.
With better luck in running, I’d say he will be hard to beat in this.
1 Unit – Smooth Operator (7)
Harlech (2) resumed in fine fashion last start, posting his best figure since running 2nd in Gr.1 company back in 2021.
While he was the beneficiary of a great ride last start, he simply wouldn’t be beaten in this field if he ran up to that last start figure.
Classy horse on his day, who might be finding his form of old.
1 Unit – Harlech (2)
Quintabelle (2) couldn’t have been much more impressive winning her last two starts.
I don’t see the wide draw as a negative, as her get-back racing pattern would’ve seen in in the second half of the field regardless.
She maps to sit well back off a genuine early tempo and she’ll be flashing at them late.
1 Unit – Quintabelle (2)