Ruakaka hosts a nine-race card this Saturday for ITM Finals Day, with the track currently rated a Soft5 and the rail in the true position. However, with significant showers in the lead-up, a downgrade into the Soft6 or Soft7 range is a strong possibility by the time they jump in Race 1.
Track: Soft5 (possible downgrade)
Rail: True
Selections for each of the nine races at Ruakaka below:
Durrani (#10) is a 3YO Swiss Ace filly on debut for the Clotworthys, and her recent trial win suggested she’s ready to go for her first Raceday assignment. She beat Out Of Sight in her latest trial, who has since franked the form, while showing good tactical speed and was strong through the line. Any rain before the opener would only enhance her prospects. In a very even maiden to kick things off, she appeals at a price.
1 unit – Durrani (#10)
Iridescent (#13) is a locally trained Wyndspelle filly making her debut for Michelle Bradley. She’s impressed at the trials, winning both outings stylishly. From the low draw under Jasmine Fawcett, expect her to settle in the first few and give a bold sight on debut.
1 unit – Iridescent (#13)
Starscream (#5) has shown promise in two starts to date, finishing off well in both. The rise to 1600m looks ideal now, and while the wide draw isn’t so ideal, Sam Collett taking the ride is a plus. In an open contest, he’s a fair each-way play at the current quote.
1 unit each way – Starscream (#5)
Battle Tycoon (#5) didn’t get many favours on debut at Ellerslie but still closed off well after a doing things wrong. Michael McNab sticks with him, and from a trailing draw behind the likely leader Ashoka, he should get every chance to find a better rhythm. Improvement expected, and he looks a solid value play in this even 2yo field.
1 unit – Battle Tycoon (#5)
Part Time Lover (#9) was eye-catching late last start in a genuinely run 1200m. From the inside alley, she maps to land midfield on the fence in a race that looks to have plenty of speed again. If she sees daylight at the right time, expect her to finish powerfully and prove hard to hold out.
2 units – Part Time Lover (#9)
Levakia (#6) hasn’t had the clearest of runs in her two starts this prep, particularly last time when she was held up down the straight. She steps to 1600m here and draws well to do no work in transit. Capable of sharp improvement and worth a play at odds.
1 unit – Levakia (#6)
Saint Bathans (#6) has been good in both runs this time in and now gets the blinkers on third-up. He looks very well placed just above the minimum and maps for a soft run near the speed from the draw. Hard to go past in what looks a suitable assignment.
1 unit – Saint Bathans (#6)
Bosch (#6) hasn’t quite recaptured last campaign’s form this time in, but he returns to his home track here and gets Sam Collett aboard. He maps to sit handier this time and is well placed at the weights. Capable of bouncing back with an improved showing.
1 unit – Bosch (#6)
Super Fly (#6) was only fair last start at Ellerslie but had been impressive winning the start prior. She draws much better this time, which should allow her to settle closer in the run. If she gets the right track into it, she can be in the finish in a very even affair to close proceedings.
1 unit – Super Fly (#6)