Racing returns to Trentham this Saturday, just a week after their previous meeting.
With clear weather forecasted over the next 48 hours, we can anticipate the track possibly upgrading to a Soft5 or Soft6 by Saturday.
Track: Soft7 (Likely Soft6 come Saturday)
Rail: Out 6m.
Kosta (#3) finished strongly behind Coulthard and co. at Whanganui last start, despite racing greenly around the final bend.
The spacious Trentham straight should suit him well, and from the draw, he maps to follow Coulthard everywhere he goes.
He looks set to improve and is capable of winning this with his best.
1 Unit Win – Kosta (#3)
Wal (#5) was brave in defeat last start, working hard from a wide draw and finishing 3rd, despite being first-up from a lay-off.
He’ll need some luck from the wide draw here, but the lengthy run into the bend from the 1600m start at Trentham will aid his chances.
In this relatively weak maiden field, his last start run would see him thereabouts in this.
1 Unit Each Way – Wal (#5)
Who Knows (#9) last start run for 4th was full of merit, where she had to go very wide on the bend to make her run.
She faces a much more manageable field in this R75 contest over 2200m and is likely to be saved for one run at them again.
Her turn of foot sets her apart from these and I expect her to have their measure in this.
3 Units Win – Who Knows (#9)
Spencer (#1) returns after an extended break but his recent trial suggests he his back in tremendous order.
He is the class horse in this field and if he is ready to go first-up, he’ll give this an almighty shake. 3kg claim brings his large impost down, expect him to take some beating.
1 Unit Win – Spencer (#1)
Mesa Verde (#7) returns without public trials, which has been the stable’s usual approach with her in the past.
She’s a lightly raced mare who handles soft ground well and can take up a forward position from the draw.
The lack of depth in this race suggests that, with a favorable run, she would be the one they have to beat.
1 Unit Win – Mesa Verde (#7)
Scouser’s (#10) two runs this preparation have not been particularly flash, but she now drops back a peg against what looks to be easier opposition here.
With a nice low draw, she has the potential to be handy to the speed without having to do any work in the run.
Now third-up and fitter, she is worth speculating on at the price.
1 Unit Win – Scouser (#10)
Knights Realm (#11) looked all but home for most of the straight before being caught late, finishing second at Te Rapa last start.
He looks the likely leader again here, with Bradman likely to push forward from his draw underneath and cart him forward early.
Carrying just 53kg and with Tina Comignaghi riding, he will be difficult to catch if he can dictate from the front.
1 Unit Win – Knights Realm (#11)
Linara’s (#7) last start 3rd was just okay, where he didn’t look to have many excuses and just battled in the straight after a good run in transit.
Although the draw looks sticky, he will have ample time to find a back to follow with a 600m run into the first bend from the mile start.
If he can bring his best form that saw him breaking his maiden a few starts back, he is more than capable of winning this.
1 Unit Win – Linara (#7)