Riccarton Preview (NZ) – Saturday 27 September

Miss Ziggy (#12) ran a very good race for 5th in the Listed company last start, where she didn’t enjoy all favours in the run. She looks better placed back in maiden company, and the 1400m poses no concerns with a smoother run in transit. Clearly the one to beat.

Oaksdeel (#3) resumes as a 4yo, last seen finishing 4th in the Listed company over 2000m back in May. She’ll likely settle in the second half of the field from her wide draw, with Jack Taplin looking for cover. While this trip is short of her best, she appeals as a speculative play at the price.

Pontoon (#7), a 3yo son of Ace High, resumes for Shankar Muniandy. He hasn’t been seen publicly since his debut 5th behind Zelia as a 2yo, when he found the line strongly late. He’s bred to get the 1400m and further in time. Worth a speculative play at odds.

Out Of The Blue (#3), a 2yo son of Tivaci, makes his debut for team Te Akau. In a field of newcomers, his Waipa trial showed enough ability to suggest he can win this. He displayed good early speed that day, and from the inside draw should hold the rail and prove hard to run down. The one to beat.

The Entertainer (#3) ran a strong race for 2nd here first-up over 1400m. With in-form apprentice Liam Kauri taking 3kg off, she drops to 55.5kg and maps to get a handy trail just off the speed. Natural improvement from the resuming run should see her go close again.

Little But Fierce (#10) was excellent here last start, charging down the outside into 2nd in a race where many back and wide struggled to make ground. From her middle draw, she should get a soft run in transit and be saved for one late dash at them. Can go one better.

Happy to forgive Mystic Park (#3) for his first-up defeat here and go again. He maps to cross Miss Brittany and take up the running, and if left alone in front he will be very hard to run down. Should get every chance to show his best, but does need to improve from that first-up run.

Noble Knight (#2) ran a solid race for 6th first-up, where he didn’t get much room to move late. He should improve second-up, while his versatility can see him ridden how he jumps from the wide gate.

Legally Binding (#9) produced a big first-up effort after 10 months away, only collared in the final strides. While he loses Opie Bosson, Jasmine Fawcett is an ideal replacement for his racing pattern, as he should look to roll forward from the wide draw. He will take catching.

Peachy Keen (#2) was strong late for 2nd here last start over 1580m, finding the line with purpose. That run suggested the step up to 2000m is ideal. From the wide draw she’ll likely be ridden quietly early, but if she runs out the trip she’s the horse to beat in an even race.