Riccarton Preview – Saturday 21st June

Riccarton hosts an eight-race program this Saturday, with the track rated a Heavy10 and the rail out 11 metres from the 1000m to the winning post, and 9 metres for the remainder. Although little rain is forecast before raceday, the surface is expected to hold in the Heavy9 to Heavy10 range throughout. 

• Track: Heavy10 
• Rail: Out 11m (1000m–WP), out 9m remainder 

Selections for each of the eight races out of Riccarton below: 

Loved her closing effort for second last start after being briefly held up early in the straight. The rise to 2000m looks ideal now she’s fourth-up and peaking. Expect her to be ridden neutrally and saved for one crack late under 3kg claimer Hayley Hassman. 

3 Units Can’t Kach Me (3) 

Game in defeat at her last two, finishing runner-up behind rivals she meets again here. Looks the likely leader and may finally get control with only limited pressure on paper. If she can dictate under Ayush Mudhoo’s 4kg claim, she can steal it. 

1 Unit Taimate Diva (1) 

Gritty win last start when collaring El Vaquero late. Maps to sit outside that rival again and looks better suited over the 1000m trip. With the 3kg claim bringing her down to 54kg, she’s clearly the one they have to beat. 

2 Units Cool Aza Rene (1) 

Striking debut winner at Timaru on heavy ground. Takes the step up to R65 company, but the way she won and the figure she posted suggest she can handle it. 1000m down the dog-leg chute looks ideal, hard to knock. 

 2 Units Chlobon (8) 

 Found the line well for third at Wingatui and now gets back on to a heavy track down the Riccarton chute. Drawn out, which may be an advantage at this point in the day. Open race, but happy to take her each way at the price. 

0.5 Units each way Movie Girl (7) 

Dominant 4.5L winner last start at Wingatui and sticks with Amber Riddell, whose 2kg claim helps offset the impost here. May take a sit this time with a few drawn to go forward underneath. Can go on with it if he reproduces that last effort. 

1 Unit Vamos (1) 

Comes into this off a solid synthetic run, but his fifth in the Great Easter Stakes here two back reads well. Nicely in at the weights with just 52kg after Toni Davies’ claim. Should land in a good spot from the draw and gets every chance. 

1 Unit Victor Rouge (5) 

Former northerner, now first-up in the South Island for the Faulkner barn. No public trials, but the stable can get them ready fresh. Proven on heavy tracks and the wide draw should be no disadvantage late in the day. Worth a spec despite the unknowns. 

1 Unit Shaking Stevens (9)