Whanganui stages a nine-race card this Saturday.
Strong westerly winds are expected, which could make cover in running a key asset, worth watching to see if a pattern develops.
Track: Soft7 (likely Heavy come raceday)
Rail: True 1200m–WP, out 1m remainder
Selections for each of the nine races out of Whanganui below:
Atkins (#8) improved sharply at her second start when finishing runner-up at Ellerslie, despite copping a bump in the straight.
That performance suggested she’s progressing the right way and she maps for a soft run again from the low draw.
If the track remains a Heavy8 or better early in the day, she’ll be hard to roll.
2 Units Win – Atkins (#8)
Ma Te Wa (#4) wasn’t far off them on debut at New Plymouth and returns here off a sharp trial win that suggests he’s come back in strong order.
Gets the right draw, Craig Grylls sticks, and this maiden doesn’t look overly deep.
The one they all have to beat.
3 Units Win – Ma Te Wa (#4)
Country Salon (#1) charged home late to score on a Heavy track last start, producing a strong finish down the outer to get up in the shadows.
Similar conditions here will help, and he should again be finding the line strongly.
1 Unit Win – Country Salon (#1)
Nothing went right in Fancypants’ (#1) two runs this prep but he now gets into a winnable R65 on ideal footing.
Drawn wide, which should be a bonus if they’re getting away from the fence by this stage, and gets Craig Grylls aboard.
Capable of bouncing back with the right run.
2 Units Win – Fancypants (#1)
Farravallo (#4) kicks off this prep after an impressive trial win on a Heavy surface.
He has a good record on Heavy tracks and maps to push forward and lead from the draw.
If he finds the front without too much pressure, he’ll take running down in this.
1 Unit Win – Farravallo (#4)
Exit Left (#3) is first-up after failing to fire at his second start last prep, where firmer footing may not have suited.
He has a wide alley for this resuming run, which could be ideal by this point of the day if riders are looking to steer off the fence.
In an even race, he looks a worthwhile spec bet at the price.
1 Unit Win – Exit Left (#3)
Bradman (#3) led and ran second in this race last year and maps to find a similar role again here.
Not much speed engaged outside of Ears Back, so he should be able to control it up front.
If he can get his own way in front, he looks an outstanding each way proposition.
1 Unit Each Way – Bradman (#3)
Who Knows (#5) won strongly at Trentham last start when surprisingly ridden positive early and out-stayed her rivals that day.
Steps back slightly in trip but won’t mind that given the Heavy conditions underfoot.
Likely to settle back this time and be produced late.
Hard to beat with even luck.
1 Unit Win – Who Knows (#5)
The Finnster’s (#1) form doesn’t read well at first glance, but he’s been taking on stronger fields on firmer tracks.
Comes back in grade and gets conditions more to suit this time.
Don’t be surprised if he lifts sharply in this company.
1 Unit Win – The Finnster (#1)