Rotorua hosts an eight-race card this Saturday, with the track rated a Heavy10 and the rail in the true position.
A very testing mid-winter surface is expected throughout the day, with most riders likely scouting wide by the latter part of the program.
Track: Heavy10
Rail: True
Selections for each of the eight races out of Rotorua below:
Snooki (#8) resumes here after being well beaten on debut in October 2024, but her recent trials on Heavy ground have been very bold, suggesting she will handle the conditions.
The low draw and 3.5kg claim both help, and with blinkers going on for the first time, a strong first-up showing wouldn’t surprise.
1 Unit Win Snooki (#8)
Lofty Manuel (#7) put in a big run to finish fifth at Tauranga last start after making up many lengths from the rear.
She now gets blinkers on, Michael McNab aboard, and an extra 200m to work with.
In a very even race, she looks the one with upside and the right profile to improve into her third career start.
2 Units Win Lofty Manuel (#7)
Despite being beaten significant margins in each of her starts, Bluesweyhooves’ (#7) efforts have shown more merit than many here.
The small field suits and the middle draw gives Jasmine Fawcett tactical flexibility depending on how the track is playing.
Leading chance in a very moderate maiden.
1 Unit Win Bluesweyhooves (#7)
Cork (#1) was brilliant first-up when winning the Tauranga Classic, and a repeat of that level would be good enough to win this.
The 4kg claim for Jack Taplin offsets the 60kg impost, and she simply looks the horse to beat in an even line-up.
1 Unit Win Cork (#1)
Niagara Sky (#9) is on the quick back-up from last Saturday if she lines up here.
She didn’t handle the surface at Ruakaka but has handled Heavy going in the past.
Third-up, up in trip, and on the seven-day turnaround all suit. Looks a solid each way chance in an open race.
1 Unit Each Way Niagara Sky (#9)
Loved the late work of Ocean Road (#3) at Tauranga last start where he closed well in the inferior ground to finish second.
Now third-up and with McNab going aboard, he looks ready to peak again on another testing surface.
One of the main hopes.
1 Unit Win Ocean Road (#3)
Although So Call Me’s (#4) recent form has been over hurdles, that fitness base may prove a big advantage late in the day on a true Heavy10.
Carries just 54.5kg after Sam McNab’s claim and looks capable of running a strong race back on the flat.
1 Unit Win So Call Me (#4)
Same logic as the previous race applies here, with Dictation (#3) arriving off several jumps runs that should leave him rock-hard fit.
His staying ability will be an asset in the testing conditions late in the day and he looks a big price for mine.
1 Unit Win Dictation (#3)