Ruakaka hosts an eight-race card this Saturday, with the track rated a Soft6 and the rail out 8m.
Notably, the rail was in the true position just two weeks ago.
With significant rainfall forecast in the lead-up, conditions are expected to deteriorate into the Heavy range by raceday.
Track: Soft6 (likely downgrade)
Rail: Out 8m (was true two weeks ago)
Selections for each of the eight races below:
Debutant Yokozuna (#7) is a Fierce Impact gelding from the Donna Logan stable who has shown ability at the trials.
The low draw and booking of Vinnie Colgan will help, particularly with the rail out 8m.
Looks forward enough to make a bold debut.
1 Unit Win – 7 Yokozuna
Undisputed (#5) steps out for the James/Wellwood stable and looked very smart in his recent Ellerslie trial win.
He draws kindly for the debut and gets Michael McNab to steer.
Looks set for a big showing first-up.
1 Unit Win – 5 Undisputed
Ascension (#8) wasn’t entirely comfortable on the Heavy10 last start at Te Rapa but still boxed on for fourth.
She loses Michael McNab but gains brother Sam McNab with a valuable 4kg claim.
The step up to the mile suits and she’s more than capable of winning a maiden of this strength.
1 Unit Win – 8 Ascension
Judicial (#2) looked to go too slowly in front at his NZ debut, eventually boxing on for third.
He was heavily backed that day and has since trialled impressively.
If the surface is holding up okay by Race 4, he looks exceptionally hard to beat.
3 Units Win – 2 Judicial
Bosch (#3) was brave when runner-up behind Pacifico here last start.
He maps to control the tempo this time and if left alone in front, he’ll prove very tough to run down.
1 Unit Win – 3 Bosch
Happy to forgive the run of Saint Bathans (#2) last start where he copped a severe check at the 200m.
He maps to get back off a genuine early tempo and should be suited by any further rain.
With clear air late, he’s right in the mix.
1 Unit Win – 2 Saint Bathans
Tide And Time (#6) was huge last start in a stronger race when caught wide throughout and still finished a close-up fourth.
He steps up in trip third-up, draws the inside, and should land on speed without working as hard.
A strong each way play at double figure odds.
1 Unit Each Way – 6 Tide And Time
Vesphire (#7) produced a strong run here last start over this trip when forced wide but still closed hard for second.
She’ll likely get back again from the wide draw, but a strong tempo sets it up for her late.
Excellent 1×3 each way prospect at the price.
1 Unit Win, 3 Units Top 3 – 7 Vesphire