Ellerslie hosts a 10-race card this Saturday, with the track rated a Soft6 and the rail in the true position.
With rain forecast in the lead-up to raceday, conditions are expected to slip into the Heavy range.
Track: Soft6 (likely downgrade with rain)
Rail: True position
Selections for each of the 10 races below:
Oneira (#6) showed good fight first-up, rolling forward and only collared late by race rival, Pokuru Gold.
In this small field with solid early speed engaged, expect Craig Grylls to ride her more patiently this time, tucking in behind and saving her for one run at them.
She’ll be improved for that first-up effort and looks capable of going one better in what is a tricky race to open proceedings.
1 Unit Win – Oneira (#6)
Happy Youmzain (#6) is a 2yo on debut for Tony Pike’s team who has shown ability at the trials.
While the wide alley isn’t ideal, there’s enough early pace to suggest Kelly Myers will look to slot him in with cover and save him for one run late.
A tricky 2yo event but he appeals at odds if he can get even luck in running from the draw.
1 Unit Win – Happy Youmzain (#6)
Onslow (#18) sits as the fourth emergency but his last outing here was his best yet, working to the line well to only be beaten a short margin in to 5th.
If he manages to get a run, he looks capable of another honest effort in a maiden lacking a standout.
Could run a big race at odds with a repeat of his last start.
1 Unit Win – Onslow (#18)
Full Of Courage (#3) broke through last start on a rain-affected track, showing he can handle Heavy ground.
Drawn to slot in back of midfield and be produced late.
If conditions deteriorate, he should be right in the fight.
Looks a reliable each-way play in a very open race.
1 Unit Each Way – Full Of Courage (#3)
The Precursor (#2) put in a huge effort for 2nd at his NZ debut after working overtime early, showing real toughness to keep finding late.
That was his first run in nearly a year and he’ll strip much fitter for it.
Gets the country’s leading rider in Craig Grylls, he looks very well placed and is the one to beat here.
2 Units Win – The Precursor (#2)
Roederer (#8) has been ticking over well this campaign, with two solid efforts this time in.
Third-up now and dropping to 51kg with the claim, he looks well placed to produce his best.
The step up in distance suits and he will be finishing strongly late, shapes as a solid each way bet.
1 Unit Win – Roederer (#8)
Acapelago (#6) put in a great front-running display last start, posting a new peak figure when controlling the race throughout.
Draws to lead again and if she gets it her way early, she’ll be very hard to peg back.
Clearly the one to beat if she’s left alone.
1 Unit Win – Acapelago (#6)
After Match (#1) is a Yulong-owned Zoustar colt who is making his local debut for the Foote stable.
Trialled well behind Mercurial on Heavy going and finds a winnable race first-up.
Should be in the finish if he brings his best from across the Tasman.
1 Unit Win – After Match (#1)
Bourbon Empress (#6) loomed to win first-up before peaking late.
She should be improved for that outing and gets in light with the claim.
Drawn to settle a touch closer this time and looks set to run a bold race.
Capable mare on her day who can win this.
1 Unit Win – Bourbon Empress (#6)
Peerless (#10) got back and found the line well last start behind Acapelago, suggesting he’s going to be suited stepping back up to the mile here.
Gets Craig Grylls on and will be saved for one run at them from the inside gate.
With even luck in running, he shapes as the horse they have to beat in the last.
1 Unit Win – Peerless (#10)