Trentham plays host to Group 1 racing again on Saturday, on the quick back-up from Oaks Day last weekend.
We now have Group 1 racing for the 2yos in the form of the Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes.
It is worth noting that the rail stays in the same position as last weekend, therefore I wouldn’t be surprised to see them get off the inside late in the day.
Track: Soft6 (Likely Good4 come Saturday)
Rail: True
Tips for the nine races out of Trentham below!
Blackwaterfoot (8) was luckless at Ellerslie last start, where she ran out of room halfway down the straight when going through her gears.
Prior to last start, she ran an excellent race for 2nd in comparable race to this.
This isn’t the strongest R65 contest and I think she looks a great each way chance to kick off proceedings at Trentham.
1 Unit – Blackwaterfoot (8)
Super Photon (2), half-brother to Mo’unga, returns to the races as a gelding, having last been sighted being well beaten behind Savaglee.
His recent trial suggested he’s come in tremendous order and can find something closer to his best first-up.
From the low draw, I expect he will settle a pair back from the leaders and will be surging home late if the gaps go his way.
2 Units – Super Photon (2)
Omega Boy (3) comes into this fresh after finishing 7th in stronger company last start.
He maps to land around midfield from the middle draw and will just be looking for a back to follow early.
This is an even race but I think Omega Boy shapes as the horse to beat if he can run up to something near his best.
1 Unit – Omega Boy (3)
Bow Hill (9) was only beaten 0.7L by a subsequent Gr.2 winner last start, where she was getting home okay from the back.
Assuming she jumps cleanly, she maps to settle a lot closer in this, which could be crucial given the lack of speed engaged on paper.
The step up to 1600m looks ideal and Michael McNab staying aboard is a big tick.
Happy to be with her on an each way basis at the price.
1 Unit – Bow Hill (9)
Party Rocking (4) resumed with game effort for 2nd at this course/distance, where he was only nabbed late.
While there does look to be good early speed in this race, I thought Party Rocking had the necessary early speed to find his way to the fence early and give a sight out in front.
1 Unit – Party Rocking (4)
Coulthard (2) looked the winner halfway down the straight last start but just nosed out on the line.
Being a 3yo son of Redwood, he looks as though he will only be further suited getting out over 2100m here.
The favourite, Kiwi Skyhawk, looks a touch too short for mine coming out of the NZ Derby and I’d much rather play Coulthard on an each way basis.
1 Unit – Coulthard (2)
What You Wish (4) For wasn’t overly flash last start, where race rival Waitak clearly had his measure that day.
I’m taking a guide through his win two-back, where he sprinted sharply at the end of a slowly run 2000m contest.
He maps to land behind Town Cryer, who will look to make this nothing more than a sprint home.
Michael McNab jumps aboard and I think he’s a great each way prospect.
1 Unit – What You Wish (4)
Hostility (5) had was a record-breaking Ready to Run Sale purchase, which meant there was a big expectation around him heading into his debut.
While he was beaten as a $1.30 favourite that day, he ran a very respectable race for 2nd.
I expect he will have taken significant improvement from that debut effort and the 1400m looks ideal.
The country’s leading rider in Craig Grylls stays aboard and he should be given every chance from a handy gate.
1 Unit – Hostility (5)
Platinum Attack (6) was backed as if unbeatable here last week and looked to have the race parcelled up before missing the bob on the line.
I don’t think being drawn out wide will be a negative come this point of the day and should have clear air to go through his gears this time.
He’s a progressive sprinter who loves it here and he shapes as the horse to beat for mine.
2 Units – Platinum Attack (6)