New Plymouth stages an eight-race program this Saturday. Improving conditions are expected, with the surface likely to reach the Heavy8 or even Soft7 range by raceday.
Track: Heavy9 (improving)
Rail: Out 4m
Selections for the eight races below:
Tavis Court (#3) looks the likely leader in this small field, having adopted similar tactics when winning in a small line-up two starts back. From there, the tempo should only be moderate, and if that scenario plays out, he can give a bold sight.
Florin (#2) was enormous when running third at Te Rapa last start after missing the kick. Maps to get back from the wider draw in a race with a genuine tempo, and if he produces a similar finish, he’ll be hard to hold out late.
Powerofpersuasion (#3) resumes after finishing 5th back in May, but her debut win prior was full of merit. Her recent trial was better than it appeared, finding the line under her own steam despite copping some minor interference entering the straight. Expect her to settle off a genuine speed and finish strongly.
Prepared to forgive Nigella Lane’s (#2) last-start effort and give her another chance here. She’s well placed at the weights, with Aljay’s engagement compressing the weights of those rated below her. A return to her prior form would make her very hard to beat.
O’Ceirins Belle (#8) failed to reproduce her strong win two starts ago, fading on a testing track at Hawera last time. Back to her home track should suit, and she’s likely to strike a better surface here. Expect her to be ridden positively and improve sharply.
Si Exquis (#5) found the line strongly when resuming at Te Rapa over 1200m. The rise to 1600m second-up looks ideal, mapping to settle just off the speed from the low draw in a race with limited tempo. Happy to side with him over Indian Gold at the price.
Belles Beau (#7) has disappointed in his last two starts but impressed in a subsequent trial, suggesting he’s ready to bounce back. While the wide draw looks awkward, the strong tempo could see him slot in ahead of midfield with cover. Capable of a sharp turnaround in this company.
Tutin Cans (#9) has struggled on testing Heavy10 surfaces of late but now comes in fresh after a short break and a hurdling trial. Any return to his best form would see him in the mix in an open race, and a less testing track should help.