New Plymouth stages an eight-race card this Saturday.
The track is currently rated a Heavy8, though with clear weather forecast over the next couple of days, an upgrade into the Soft6–Soft7 range looks likely.
The rail is out 4.5m, which could lend an edge to those racing handy to the speed, particularly early in the program.
Track: Heavy8 (likely Soft6–Soft7 come Saturday)
Rail: Out 4.5m
Tips for each of the eight races out of New Plymouth below:
Paltrow Miss (#5) is a debutant from the Robbie Patterson yard who has looked sharp in her trials leading in.
Expect her to roll forward from a wide draw under Craig Grylls and look to control things up front.
If she runs up to her trials, she should take catching in the first.
1 Unit Win Paltrow Miss (#5)
Atavus (#4) resumes here after finishing midfield at Tauranga at the end of last prep, where he didn’t threaten after being strongly backed.
Gets Craig Grylls on and maps to get a good run from the draw.
He showed glimpses on debut, and a more forward showing fresh wouldn’t surprise in this even maiden.
1 Unit Win Atavus (#4)
Live On Air (#8) was brave in defeat behind Astoria Brooke and Monday Melody at Te Rapa last start, and that form reads strongly for this.
Drops back into an easier race and gets in light with Amber Riddell’s 3kg claim.
Wide gate isn’t ideal, but with even luck, she shapes as the horse to beat.
1 Unit Win Live On Air (#8)
Gentian Blue (#7) backs up quickly after running on late for fifth last weekend.
Blinkers go on, and the 3kg claim gets her in light with just 51kg on her back.
Finds the right sort of race to bounce back in, well worth another chance.
1 Unit Win Gentian Blue (#7)
Fancypants (#6) carried strong support first-up at Trentham but got stuck on the worst part of the track when making his run.
Looks suited being drawn wider this time and maps to get back and find cover off a solid tempo.
Fitter now and expecting a bold effort second-up.
1 Unit Win Fancypants (#6)
Meloni (#3) held off a handy enough type in Kids Got Gears last start at Hawera.
Looks to have more in store this prep and maps to get every chance again.
Looks very well placed to go back-to-back, the one to beat.
3 Units Win Meloni (#3)
Marlborough Bay (#7) hasn’t fired in two runs this prep but has been finding the line fairly on each occasion.
Blinkers go on and gets in with just 52kg after the claim.
Third-up now and looks to get every chance to find some improvement. Capable of running a race here.
1 Unit Each Way Marlborough Bay (#7)
The Nomad (#2) was a dominant first-up winner at Whanganui where he was given a peach of a ride and consequently put them away with authority.
Steps up to R65 level and draws out, but gets Craig Grylls aboard for this.
Looks progressive and should be hard to hold out in the last.
2 Units Win The Nomad (#2)