Trentham stages a ten-race program this Saturday, with the track rated a Heavy10 and the rail out 6 metres — the same position as three weeks ago. A true winter Heavy10 is expected, with riders likely scouting wide paths as the day wears on.
Track: Heavy10
Rail: Out 6m
Selections for each of the ten races below:
In a field of jumpers who haven’t been jumping all that cleanly of late, I’m siding with Zeefa Zed (7). He’s been well supported in his past two steeplechase starts but lost the rider on both occasions. He’s handy enough when he puts it together, but, like many in here, his recent jumping hasn’t been fluent. Willing to take a lead from the market confidence and give him another chance.
1 unit Zeefa Zed (7)
So Call Me (2) travelled like the winner early in the straight last start before peaking late over the final few hurdles. He’ll be fitter for that effort and meets a very similar field again here. He’s had a quiet trial since to tick him over and should take plenty of beating this time.
2 units So Call Me (2)
Back over the hurdles after a solid flat campaign, Quid (1) has placed twice over the jumps previously, including a second behind promising type Billy Boy. He’s rock-hard fit, handles heavy ground well, and looks tough to beat in this.
1 unit Quid (1)
Billy Boy (5) made a terrific return to jumping last start, fending off Verry Flash in an impressive win. He now steps up in trip and grade but appears to have real upside. With natural improvement second-up, he could be a jumper going places.
1 unit Billy Boy (5)
Still a maiden, Autumn Beauty (8) isn’t ideally placed under the weights but strikes this on the quick back-up, which looks a strong pointer. He gets top amateur rider Scotty McNab aboard, and 2200m on a Heavy10 suits nicely. Has a big chance despite taking on race winners.
1 unit Autumn Beauty (8)
It’s hard to go past Jesko (5) in this year’s Wellington Steeplechase. He’s had a perfect build-up and was dominant here last start in the Manawatu Steeplechase over 4000m. The compressed weight scale due to The Cossack’s engagement helps him, and he should prove tough to run down.
3 units Jesko (5)
Farravallo (3) maps to get complete control of this from in front. He’s an enigmatic type who can mix his form, but drops in weight here and gets conditions to suit. Looks capable of bouncing back if he can race a touch more tractably this time.
1 unit Farravallo (3)
Wheelitin (4) has placed in both runs this prep, both of which were here at Trentham. The drop back to 1400m suits on what’s likely to be a tiring Heavy10, and she should be peaking now third-up. She appeals as a solid each-way play in a winnable race.
2 units each way Wheelitin (4)
Knights Realm (6) has had excuses at the start in his past two, which cost him dearly. With just 52kg on his back after the claim, expect Toni Davies to be aggressive early. He maps to sit near the pace and is capable of a much sharper showing with a cleaner getaway.
1 unit Knights Realm (6)
Downtrou (3) was better than the eighth placing suggests last start at this course and distance, copping multiple checks in the run home. The application of side winkers should help, and from the good draw, he won’t be far away in the run. One of the key chances to close out the day.
1 unit Downtrou (3)