Racing returns to Riccarton on Saturday for a 10-race card, featuring the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes and Listed Welcome Stakes.
A dry forecast suggests we’re likely to see an upgrade, Soft5 the likely landing spot by the first race on the card. Expect the track to race fairly with tempo key throughout.
Track: Soft6 (likely Soft5 come raceday)
Rail: True
Selections for all 10 races below:
Thunderfist (#1) was excellent resuming, flashing home for second over 1200m off a quiet ride.
He now steps to 1400m, gets back to Riccarton’s long straight, and should take good improvement from the fresh run.
Maps to settle back and be saved for one run at them. Looks the best bet on the card for mine.
3 Units – Thunderfist (#1)
Helldancer (#12) returned in tidy fashion and now gets a much better draw to work with.
Maps to sit just off a genuine tempo, which should see her given every chance to find her best.
Strips fitter and should be nearing her peak here. Looks one of the better each way plays on the card for mine.
2 Units – Helldancer (#12)
Star Shadow (#7) has just been going fairly of late, her second two back rated well, though her other runs have been plain.
That said, this is a very moderate R65 and she now gets the services of George Rooke, which is a big assist.
Will settle back and look to finish over the top of them late. Even race and I suspect we may get a better price on raceday.
1 Unit – Star Shadow (#7)
Iffin Doubt Dance (#16) found the line well fresh at Ashburton after missing the start and struggling to keep up in a strongly run race.
I expect she will have improved from that first-up effort and from a favourable draw she’s likely to land closer this time with an even getaway.
Gets in light with the claim and should appreciate the step back to 1600m. Capable of improving at odds.
1 Unit – Iffin Doubt Dance (#16)
Tommy Shelby (#10) was fair in stronger company last time but drops back to a much more suitable assignment here.
He had been going from strength to strength prior to that since breaking his maiden and looks to find a nice race to bounce back to that form.
Should be midfield with cover and be presented at them late. Expecting an improved effort here.
2 Units – Tommy Shelby (#10)
Alottago (#1) put in a huge run on debut from the back behind a smart winner in Zelia.
He gets a big swing in barrier draws today and maps to settle just in behind the leading pack.
Looks a progressive type and a definite improver second-up.
I’ll be with him each way, more skewed to the place.
1 Unit – Alottago (#1)
Forget the Trentham miss, Mystic Park (#2) was planted wide and never looked to travel.
His prior Riccarton win rated well and he returns to the track he loves.
Wide alley again but there’s enough speed drawn directly underneath to get him across to a handy position.
On his best figures, he’s the horse to beat.
1 Unit – Mystic Park (#2)
Dream Of The Moon (#1) had excuses last start and I’m prepared to be forgiving.
Her form prior was consistent, despite probably not being as effective on rain-effected surfaces.
She draws to do no work and George Rooke takes the ride for this.
Happy to stick with her at the price, a vastly improved effort wouldn’t surprise.
1 Unit – Dream Of The Moon (#1)
No tempo last time and Matscot (#3) never got into it, nor did anything else in the race. He’s drawn to settle a touch closer here and a senior rider goes on.
He’s a typically a get-back type, who needs them to run along. If they do, he’ll be one of the strongest late.
Capable of bouncing back into winning form here.
1 Unit – Matscot (#3)
Family Ties (#4) disappointed last start. Back up to 2000m here suits and she maps for a soft trip from the low draw.
They’ve tinkered with her gear again here, as it didn’t help her at all last time.
On her day, she is simply better than this field and she profiles as the horse to beat in a very even race to close the day at Riccarton.
1 Unit – Family Ties (#4)