Wanganui hosts a competitive nine-race program this Saturday. With rainfall forecast in the lead-up, conditions are likely to slip back into the Heavy9 range by the opening race.
Track: Heavy8 (likely Heavy9)
Rail: Out 2m (750m–WP), remainder true
Tips for each of the nine races below:
Shameless Star (#10) resumes as a 3yo and impressed with a recent trial win on heavy ground, suggesting she’s ready to fire fresh. With just 54kg on her back under Masa Hashizume and a soft inside draw to play from, she looks well placed to make an impact on her return.
Amazing Son (#1) is dual accepted for here and race 1, but would take plenty of beating if connections opt for this race. The blinkers go on, and he’s drawn the inside, which may be no disadvantage this early in the day. Clearly the leading contender if he lines up in this.
Crunchie Boy (#1) returned from an eight-month break with a strong 2nd a fortnight ago, despite being parked without cover on a genuine tempo throughout. That effort should bring him on significantly, and with Masa Hashizume taking over, he looks poised to go one better second-up.
Mary Shan (#9) is a classy mare resuming, last sighted finishing down the track in G1 company back in February. Two searching trial hit-outs should have her in good shape for this first-up assignment, and a fast-run 1200m will allow her to settle off the pace and finish over the top late.
Country Salon (#2) resumes after finishing 2nd in Listed company as a 2yo last campaign. He’s since had a strong hit-out at the trials and should have retained enough residual fitness from last prep to be forward for this. Handles heavy ground and has the ability to measure up.
Just Charlie (#3) produced a strong resuming effort two weeks ago, where he didn’t get all favours in the home straight. While he would appreciate more distance than what he gets here, he should strip fitter and looks a sneaky chance at odds in an open contest.
Bozo (#8) was brave when 3rd last start on an extremely testing surface. While she strikes another Heavy track here, it’ll almost certainly be a better surface than what she struck last start. She looks suited down in the weights again, another bold showing is expected.
Dojakata (#12) was unlucky not to finish closer last start, when copping severe interference in the straight. She’s continued to improve with each run this prep and she looks a strong chance here with better luck in running. Solid each way chance at the price.
Stella Success (#11) was huge last start, covering plenty of extra ground yet still fighting on for a close-up 5th. She’s improved with each run over ground, and with some luck from a wide draw, she looks capable of delivering another strong performance to close the card.