It’s a split eight-race meeting at Trentham this Saturday, featuring a mix of four jumps contests and four flat events.
Given the conditions, expect riders to head towards the outside lanes as the card progresses.
Wet-track prowess will be vital.
Track: Heavy10
Rail: Out 6m
Tips for each of the eight races below:
Yolo (#9) is on the quick back-up after an honest second at Te Aroha, where she looked to have every chance before tiring late under pressure.
The drop-back in trip is a plus and she’ll strip fitter for that outing.
In a modest maiden hurdle, she has the credentials to go one better this time.
1 Unit Win – Yolo (#9)
So Call Me (#9) is a reliable wet-tracker on the flat, and he now debuts over hurdles for Kevin Myers.
The Heavy10 won’t faze him and he’s got the benefit of a solid run on the flat earlier in the week.
Looks ready to handle the jumping challenge and should be right in the finish first-up.
1 Unit Win – So Call Me (#9)
Verry Flash (#2) proved too classy when winning his first jumps start this campaign, with the second horse winning since also.
Corey Wiles’ 3kg claim keeps him nicely weighted and the step up in distance shouldn’t hold any fears.
He’s fit and probably only going to improve further heading into this, the one they’ll all have to chase down.
1 Unit Win – Verry Flash (#2)
Turn It Up (#7) is first up after a slick trial win in the heavy going, indicating she’s forward for this.
She showed promise in her first campaign and finds a suitable race to kick off in.
Will likely settle back with cover and be produced late, a leading player fresh.
1 Unit Win – Turn It Up (#7)
Al’s Red Zed (#9) was solid first-up behind Jesko, just finding him and Call Me Jack too sharp on the better surface late.
This time he gets a bottomless Heavy10 and a rise in trip, both of which suit.
He’s a genuine grinding type who will keep coming and looks the best value bet in an even field.
1 Unit Each Way – Al’s Red Zed (#9)
Zanzibar (#3) has turned the corner this campaign and was rewarded with a win last time at New Plymouth.
Drawn out, which may suit if riders are angling towards the outside fence by this stage.
He’s fit and will handle the ground, happy to side with a horse on the up.
1 Unit Win – Zanzibar (#3)
Bozo (#3) proved too strong last time at Rotorua in very testing conditions and that form has since stacked up well.
Now third-up and proven in the going, she maps to find the better lanes away from the inside.
Looks a standout chance again, very hard to beat.
2 Units Win – Bozo (#3)
Hokitika Bell (#9) was below her best fresh, later found to be in season.
She’s much better than that effort suggests and has handled a Trentham Heavy10 previously.
Inside alley isn’t ideal by the last, but if she can steer away from the fence, she’s good enough to figure at odds in an open race.
1 Unit Win – Hokitika Bell (#9)