A strong nine-race card out of Te Rapa this Saturday.
Expect the track to race evenly early, but riders could start looking for better ground out wider later in the day if the inside chops out a touch as the day progresses.
Track: Heavy8 (possibly Soft7 come raceday)
Rail: Out 6m
Selections for each of the nine races below:
High Country (#1) hasn’t won since late 2023 but has been racing consistently in stronger races and steps up to a more suitable trip here second-up.
The 2kg claim for Triston Moodley aids his chances and he may look to roll forward from the wider draw.
Looks well placed to get back into winning form.
1 Unit High Country (#1)
Clew Bay (#8) prepared for this with two smart trial wins and looks primed to strike first-up.
Drawn wide but maps to push forward early and sit outside likely leader, Shamel Express.
She’s shown enough to say she can be very competitive in a field like this and can make her return to the races a winning one.
2 Units Clew Bay (#8)
Sister Cynane (#7) went under last start when sent out a red-hot favourite, and while she had no excuses, the blinkers come straight back off for this.
She’s drawn awkwardly but has the ability to overcome it if she brings her best.
Wouldn’t surprise to see her ridden cold and produced for one run at them late.
1 Unit Sister Cynane (#7)
Baronet (#5) stuck on well last time out behind King of Hearts, who has since added more strength to that formline with another win.
He maps to settle in the trail behind a solid tempo, and the rain-affected track plays right into his hands.
Looks a smart each-way option in a field that thins out beyond the main few.
1 Unit Win, 3 Units Place Baronet (#5)
Charmer (#7) is resuming off a break, last sighted in January with no public trials under her belt, but trusting the Foote stable to have her ready fresh.
She enjoys soft footing and from a nice draw, should be able position midfield with cover.
More than capable of running a race fresh if forward enough.
1 Unit Charmer (#7)
Towering Vision (#4) had no favours first-up at Matamata when badly held up after turning but closed off well once clear.
Steps to 1400m now, which looks ideal, and Craig Grylls taking over is a strong lead. Appeals as the value in what looks a wide-open race.
1 Unit Towering Vision (#4)
Uderzo (#5) closed hard into fourth at Ellerslie last start, and that effort suggests he’s right back on track.
Handles soft ground with no issues and Warren Kennedy now takes the reins.
Will likely be given time to find his feet early before looking to unleash down the outside late.
1 Unit Uderzo (#5)
Joshua Brown (#5) never came into it fresh when striking a firmer surface at Trentham, but the move back to rain-affected ground should see him much more comfortable.
A few gear changes might just sharpen him up also.
Should improve off that first-up effort and I’m expecting a much better effort from him here.
1 Unit Joshua Brown (#5)
Monday Melody (#2) is proving costly for punters but keeps knocking on the door, and this sets up as another winnable race.
Craig Grylls reunites and from his usual pattern, he’ll be allowed to balance up before closing late.
Provided the surface holds up okay come the last race of the day, he gets another solid chance to break through.
1 Unit Monday Melody (#2)