A strong nine-race card out of Ellerslie on Saturday, headlined by the Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap and the Gr.3 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes. There’s been some wet and wild weather in the Auckland region during the week and further showers are forecast, which could see a downgrade of the track.
Track: Soft5 (possibly Soft6 come raceday)
Rail: True
Selections for each of the nine races out of Ellerslie below:
Yet to fire in two runs back this prep, but could be the big improver here if left alone in front. Maps to find the lead with minimal pressure if Enright isn’t riddent too aggressively, and Warren Kennedy taking over is a key booking. Hard to trust on recent form but looks big overs in a race lacking depth. Worth a small spec if the right version of him turns up.
0.5 Units Bosch (1)
Trialled up nicely and looks ready to go for this first-up assignment. Drawn to do no work from the inside alley and gets George Rooke aboard which only helps him further. Looks to land in the right spot and profiles as one of the better each-way plays in an even contest.
1 Unit each way Reptak (4)
Found the line well last start and now looks suited in a smaller field, which should allow her to settle much closer than where she ended up last start. Well placed at the weights just above the minimum and looks to get her opportunity to win this.
1 Unit Grande Gallo (6)
Showed good toughness to win on debut after doing some early work. Expecting to see them use her tactical speed again from a sticky gate, and if she can cross and control the tempo, she’ll be in this for a long way. Filly with upside who can win this.
1 Unit Little Black Dress (9)
Resumes following a sharp trial at the track earlier this month. McNab was aboard there and sticks with her raceday, which looks a positive lead. The wide draw isn’t ideal but the booking of a jockey like McNab helps to offset that. She’ll be suited if there’s give in the ground also. Genuine winning hope.
1 Unit Acapelago (13)
Hasn’t put it together in two runs since arriving from Australia, though one of those was the Aotearoa Classic behind Orchestral. His recent trial behind his stablemate El Vencedor was very encouraging. The wide draw isn’t ideal, but the market has missed him for mine — happy to have something on at the price.
0.5 Units each way Ravello (6)
Strong winner in Gr.3 company last start, where he defied the pattern of the day to score impressively from back and wide. Progressed well off his NZ Derby run two starts back and I can’t see any reason why he would regress now. He maps to stalk his main danger in Zormella. The one they have to beat.
2 Units Kiwi Skyhawk (2)
Forgive run last time when blundering mid-race after clipping heels. Trialled superbly since and gets in at just 53kg with McNab aboard. Despite taking on older horses, he looks a good chance of bouncing back. While it is a very open race on paper, he looks the best of he day for mine.
2 Units Tardelli (16)
Resumed with a good effort for 2nd last start. Now gets back to a race where he should be able to dictate term from the front if ridden positively. Maps to lead with little pressure and has shown he’s most effective when allowed to dictate terms in front. Will take catching if he gets his own way.
1 Unit Cyber Patch (3)