Rotorua stages a nine-race program on Saturday.
The track is rated a Soft7 at publish, but with heavy rainfall warnings around the region on Friday, conditions are expected to slip deep into the Heavy range, possibly even Heavy10 by raceday.
Expecting it to be a bottomless track after a few races, with riders likely scouting towards the outside rail as the day goes on.
Track rated: Soft7 (likely Heavy10 come Saturday)
Rail: True
Tips for each of the nine races out of Rotorua below:
Vadanova (#11) resumes here after being last seen in December when down the track, but her recent trial was sharp and suggests she’s back in good order.
Drawn well and should handle the heavy footing, making her a solid fresh-up chance at a price in the opener.
1 Unit Each Way – Vadanova (#11)
Listening (#8) was dominant first-up at Pukekohe on a Heavy10, relishing the ground and toughing it out over the final stages.
Warren Kennedy sticks, and if the track tips into true heavy territory, she’s the one they’ll all have to beat.
2 Units Win – Listening (#8)
Part Time Lover (#10) is back from a long spell but prepped with a Heavy10 trial and looks set to run well first-up.
The wide draw isn’t a negative if the inside cuts up, and she looks an appealing each-way play in what’s an open contest.
Lightly tried mare with upside.
1 Unit Each Way – Part Time Lover (#10)
Pacifico (#2) fought bravely first-up when second on a Heavy10 at Pukekohe and should improve with that under his belt.
Maps to push forward and be up on speed throughout, and with the 3kg claim, he gets in well at the weights again.
Should be tough to run down in a slogging finish.
1 Unit Win – Pacifico (#2)
La Mezquita (#12) was super impressive winning first-up at Matamata, powering away late despite covering ground in the worst part of the track that day.
Gets in nice and light here and Joe Doyle sticks.
If it’s a true Heavy10, she’s the standout on the card.
3 Units Win – La Mezquita (#12)
Hula Beat (#12) is backing up quickly from last week, and while he’s been plain this prep, the rise in trip and the deep Heavy track might bring out his best.
Joe Doyle taking over is a positive, and he’s capable of a bounce-back at odds in what is an even race.
1 Unit Each Way – Hula Beat (#12)
Quid (#2) hit the line encouragingly first-up at Woodville in a highweight event.
Should appreciate the heavy ground second-up and will be hitting the line hard late.
Looks the right type to grind into the finish in a what may prove to be a test of stamina late.
1 Unit Win – Quid (#2)
Lux Libertas (#5) put in strong late splits at Te Rapa last start, clocking the fastest last 200m of the race.
Warren Kennedy sticks, and she looks well suited to a heavy deck where others may struggle.
Looks primed to bounce back.
1 Unit Win – Lux Libertas (#5)
Rosetown Princess (#10) caught the eye first-up when sticking on well for third on a Heavy10 at Pukekohe.
Will strip fitter now and is nicely placed again here on another testing surface.
In a wide-open closing event, she appeals as the right horse to be with to finish the day.
1 Unit Win – Rosetown Princess (#10)