Ellerslie is set to host a competitive nine-race card this Saturday.
Currently rated a Soft5, the track is expected to improve to a Good4 with fine weather forecast leading in to Saturday.
The rail will be out 6m, which is an additional 3m from its position two weeks ago.
Track: Soft5 (Expected Good4 come Saturday
Rail: Out 6m
Tips for each of the nine races out of Ellerslie below!.
Race 1 - 9:50am AEDT
TRACKSIDE.CO.NZ MAIDEN 1200
Atkins (#15) was just okay on debut, finishing 6th without any significant excuses.
The switch to a firmer track should enhance her chances.
Craig Grylls sticking in the saddle is a positive lead.
Expect her to show improvement as she builds on her initial performance and looks to break through.
1 Unit Win – Atkins (#15)
Race 2 - 10:25am AEDT
SISTEMA 1600
El Arish (#2) was competitive in a stronger R65 contest at Te Rapa last time, battling on without being far off the winners.
Now third-up and with Craig Grylls taking the reins, he appears well-suited here, especially back on firmer footing.
The one to beat in this field.
1 Unit Win – El Arish (#2)
Race 3 - 11:00am AEDT
NETWORK VISUALS 1400
Bourbon Empress (#3) resumes here after a disappointing run behind Orchestral back in January, where she pulled up with excuses.
Her recent trial was encouraging, suggesting she is ready to go for this first-up assignment.
Although she may settle back from the wide draw, her turn of foot could prove too sharp for these late.
1 Unit Win – Bourbon Empress (#3)
Race 4 - 11:35am AEDT
LISTED SKYCITY CHAMPAGNE STAKES
Towering Vision (#1) is coming off a gutsy win at Te Rapa, where he showed good fight late to grip on.
The low draw should see him have a map advantage over his key rivals, and I expect Craig Grylls to utilise this to maintain a handy position.
With a likely even tempo in the race, he could prove hard to peg back in this.
He can go back-to-back here.
2 Units Win – Towering Vision (#1)
Race 5 - 12:10pm AEDT
MANUKA DOCTOR 1300
Jurisprudence (#5) impressed in his first-up run in New Zealand, finishing strongly and indicating that the additional 100m will suit him well here also.
With Triston Moodley aboard, claiming 2kg, he looks well placed to put up another competitive performance.
He shapes as the horse to beat for mine.
1 Unit Win – Jurisprudence (#5)
Race 6 - 12:45pm AEDT
EVERGREEN BLOODSTOCK 1100
Velocious’ (#1) last start is one I’m willing to forgive, where she struggled to obtain clear running in the straight.
This time, she’s drawn to settle off the fence, which should see her better placed to find clear air and go through her gears in the straight.
A highly talented filly on her day, if she can bounce back to form, she will be a formidable opponent.
3 Units Win – Velocious (#1)
Race 7 - 1:20pm AEDT
MANUKA DOCTOR 1200
Brittania Gold (#13) has been performing well of late, finishing close up in her last two outings against strong 3yo company.
Her favorable draw and the benefit of Triston Moodley’s 1.5kg claim bring her down in the weights, both of which are big ticks here.
With some luck, she is a solid each-way bet in what looks to be an open race.
1 Unit Each Way – Brittania Gold (#13)
Race 8 - 1:55pm AEDT
JOIN TAB RACING CLUB 2100
Willing to give Ravello (#3) another chance after a disappointing run at Pukekohe last start on a Heavy10.
He should be much more suited to the expected firmer ground this time around.
With Craig Grylls in the saddle, he should get every chance to show his best at a price worth speculating on in this field.
1 Unit Win – Ravello (#3)
Race 9 - 2:30pm AEDT
YOURRIDE 1600
Cyber Patch (#2) ran well in defeat last time, only being nabbed late by progressive 3yo, Croupier.
Despite the wide draw, the long run into the first bend at Ellerslie from the 1600m start point should give Warren Kennedy plenty of time to work across towards the front.
If he can find the front, he’ll be difficult to catch in a very even field.
1 Unit Win – Cyber Patch (#2)