Ruakaka hosts a short and sweet seven-race card this Saturday, with the track rated a Soft6 and the rail out 4m. The more favourable underfoot conditions compared to most tracks at this stage of the year is definitely worth noting when doing the form for this meeting.
Track: Soft6
Rail: Out 4m
Our expert Ruakaka tips for each of the seven races below:
Cashla Bay (#4) showed promise as a two-year-old before fading late in Listed company at the end of last prep. She resumes without a public trial but draws favourably and gets decent footing to work with. Expecting her to settle just off the pace under Matt Cartwright and be poised to strike late in the first at Ruakaka on Saturday.
Unwritten (#8) was solid on debut when forced to make her run in the inferior going. She should be better suited here with Craig Grylls now taking the reins, and a firmer surface underfoot likely won’t hurt her chances. If she improves off that debut effort, she’ll be in the thick of it again.
Free Bird (#6) resumed in strong style when breaking through for her maiden win here over 1200m, defying the “up and in” pattern that day. She steps up to R65 grade but looks more than capable. Expect her to get back under Michael McNab and be charging home late again.
Fantastic Smile (#1) ran a bold second here last start, getting further back than expected but still finishing off strongly. The return to a better track suits, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him settle much closer in running this time. Finds a very suitable race and can go one better with a positive steer early.
Super Rosa (#9) has been backed off the map in her past two starts here at her home track. She now draws the inside and gets Michael McNab aboard, mapping to settle just off the speed without working hard early. Capable of turning those recent placings into a win here.
Levakia (#6) was strong when winning here last start in decent three-year-old company. She stays at the mile, which suits, and a firmer surface won’t do her any harm. Drawn to get every chance with Jasmine Fawcett again in the saddle, she shapes as the one to beat.
Suavetta (#7) has threatened to break through this prep and now drops back into more suitable company here. The better surface and the booking of Craig Grylls should help her find her best. She appeals as a 1×3 each way play to round out the Ruakaka card.