Riccarton hosts a nine-race card this Saturday. A fine forecast points to the surface improving to a Soft5 or better by raceday.
Track: Soft6 (likely upgrade)
Rail: Out 6m to the 1000m, out 10m remainder
Tips for each of the nine races below:
Well-bred 3yo son of Snitzel on debut for Te Akau, War Of Silence (#11) has trialled only fairly but looks set to run a bold race on debut. With Opie Bosson aboard from a middle draw, he should be given every chance.
| 11. War Of Silence (6) 56kg |
Chlobon (#5) resumes first-up without a trial but has shown plenty of ability in her two starts to date. The only knock is that she is untried on a Soft surface, but if she handles the going, she looks the horse to beat.
| 5. Chlobon (5) 57.5kg12 |
Return Flight (#6) ran a strong race for 3rd here last start. She maps for another good trailing run from the inside draw and her effort last start suggested the additional 200m here will suit. Strong hope in a competitive race.
| 6. Return Flight (1) 54kg40013 |
Our Milly Bee (#6) ran well for 3rd last start, grinding home well from the back of the field. She looks suited stepping up to 2000m and Opie Bosson taking the reins helps her chances. Another open field, but she shapes as the horse to beat.
| 6. Our Milly Bee (6) 58kg22443 |
Dujour (#4) had no luck first-up when asked to sustain a wide run throughout, yet still stuck on okay considering. She’ll be improved for the run and with even luck here a much improved showing second-up wouldn’t surprise.
| 4. Dujour (11)SCRATCHED: | |||
Mystic Park (#3) resumes here. He comes into this without a public trial, but that isn’t unusual for him. He will relish a firmer surface and maps for a handy run from the low draw. He’ll take catching if he brings his best.
| 3. Mystic Park (3) 58kgX940X |
Belle Du Monde (#4) was excellent first-up when winning here over 1000m. The way she finished off suggests the additional 200m is a positive, and she maps for a similar trailing run again here. With Opie Bosson aboard, she looks very hard to stop.
| 4. Belle Du Monde (2) 56.5kg220X1 |
Riviera Rebel (#1) caught the eye late when lifting to run into 2nd after looking like he was battling at the 200m mark. He maps to take up the running under Kyle Williams and, although lumping 60kg, he could give a bold sight if allowed terms in front.
| 1. Riviera Rebel (3) 60kg10782 |
Best to forget Kellanzor’s (#12) first-up run at Timaru, where she was held up badly in the straight and never got a clear shot. She backs up quickly here, jumps from a low draw, and looks well placed down in the weights. With better luck, she can go close.
| 12. Kellanzor (2) 55kg174X7 |