Whanganui stages an eight-race card this Saturday, with the track rated a Heavy10 and no improvement expected.
The rail is in the true position from the 1200m to the winning post, and out 1 metre for the remainder.
A genuine winter slog is likely, with Heavy10 conditions expected to hold throughout.
Track: Heavy10
Rail: True 1200m–WP; out 1m remainder
Selections for each of the eight races out of Whanganui below:
Fleeting Glimpse (#10) did plenty of work early last start and weakened late as a result.
Drawn far better this time, which should allow her to settle much handier without overdoing it.
The booking of Bruno Queiroz is a positive.
In what looks a modest maiden, an improved showing wouldn’t surprise.
1 Unit Win – Fleeting Glimpse (#10)
Ma Te Wa (#1) produced a dominant win fresh-up over this course and distance, putting a big margin on them.
Loses Craig Grylls but drops to 53.5kg with Sima Mxothwa’s claim, which is a big assist in these conditions.
Expecting him to roll forward again and prove hard to peg back.
Can go back-to-back.
3 Units Win – Ma Te Wa (#1)
Gum Basher (#6) hasn’t had much go her way in recent starts but continues to find the line well late.
Maps for a similar run again and with a cleaner trip, she can bounce back to winning form.
Expect her to settle back of midfield and hit the line strongly.
A solid each way chance in an even race.
1 Unit Win – Gum Basher (#6)
Farravallo (#1) nearly pulled off a first-up win here despite drifting in the market.
Drops in grade but does rise sharply in weight, partially offset by Liam Kauri’s 3kg claim.
Should push forward from the wide draw and look to control it.
If he avoids too much pressure from Showbastian Coe, he’ll be tough to run down.
1 Unit Win – Farravallo (#1)
Old Town Road (#3) didn’t finish off last start after being ridden closer to the speed.
Maps to get back from the draw this time and should have a strong tempo to follow.
Bruno Queiroz takes the reins and the heavy track is a plus.
Can run a race at odds if allowed to settle.
1 Unit Each Way – Old Town Road (#3)
Towrope (#4) was off the bridle early and offered little first-up at New Plymouth, but likely needed the run.
Blinkers come off which may help him relax, and the step up to 2040m suits.
Handles heavy ground and this is a very winnable maiden.
Expecting sharp improvement.
1 Unit Win – Towrope (#4)
Quid (#3) gets a key weight swing on Who Knows after finishing second to her last time.
Heavy10 conditions won’t worry her and she’s the type who just keeps grinding away.
Should be ridden neutral early and look to outstay them late.
Looks a genuine chance at the price.
2 Units Win – Quid (#3)
Tutin Cans (#4) closed strongly here last time over this course and trip despite not getting all favours in the run.
Meets Dresse’ Par Joli better at the weights now and should get a soft trip from the low draw.
If saved for one late run, he can be in the finish.
1 Unit Win – Tutin Cans (#4)