Trentham hosts an eight-race program on Saturday.
The forecast for the region suggests there’s every chance we see conditions slide into the Heavy range by the time they jump on Saturday.
It’s worth watching the first couple of races to assess how testing the surface may become as the card unfolds.
Track: Soft6 (likely Heavy9-10 come Saturday)
Rail: Out 6m
Tips for each of the eight races out of Trentham below:
Belzoni (#1) posted a sharp win on a deteriorating track last start, showing plenty of strength late over 1100m.
That effort suggests the rise to 1200m should be no issue, and he’s now shown he can handle rain-effected going.
Looks well placed to go back-to-back in what isn’t the strongest 2yo contest.
2 Units Win – Belzoni (#1)
Tristar (#4) has been freshened since running a moderate sixth behind Tardelli in March but kept ticking over with a slick Heavy10 trial since.
Drawn out, which may prove an advantage if the inside cuts up after the first, she looks well placed to fire here.
If she runs to her best, she’s the one they all have to hold out late.
3 Units Win – Tristar (#4)
Alcaraz (#2) resumes after showing glimpses at times last campaign.
Maps for a soft run in transit from the low gate over the sprint trip, and the rain-affected track holds no concerns.
Shapes as one of the key threats to the favourite in what looks a fairly shallow maiden.
1 Unit Win – Alcaraz (#2)
Gallant Hero (#2) is thriving since stepping up in trip and his 2nd on a Heavy9 at Woodville was full of merit last time.
Jonathan Riddell taking the reins is a plus, and he should be in the finish again in what looks an even staying affair.
1 Unit Win – Gallant Hero (#2)
King Of Hearts (#3) has pieced together back-to-back Heavy track wins and looks rock-hard fit now after five runs back this campaign.
The move to 1400m holds no fears and his wet-track form is as good as any here. Big chance of completing the hat-trick.
Hard to stop.
2 Units Win – King Of Hearts (#3)
Procul Boy (#2) impressed on debut with a Heavy track win on what was a testing track and wasn’t far off last start despite some traffic issues late in the piece.
Looks well suited stepping up in trip and the Heavy track won’t bother him.
Expect him to get back again but be hitting the line hard late.
1 Unit Each Way – Procul Boy (#2)
Fancypants (#8) returns after a break, having last been seen running well for fifth in November.
His career peak figure came on debut on a Heavy10 surface, so he’s a proven fresh performer on wet ground.
Gets in light with just 53kg after Elle Sole’s 3kg claim and can run a race at odds.
Looks overs for mine.
1 Unit Each Way – Fancypants (#8)
Belladonna Lily (#8) comes into this on the fresh side here with six weeks between runs.
While she’s been below her best recently, this R75 doesn’t look as strong as what she’s been facing of late.
A rain-affected track only helps her cause also.
Capable of an improved showing at a nice price in what isn’t a deep R75 event to close the day.
1 Unit Each Way – Belladonna Lily (#8)