Ashburton stages a nine-race card this Saturday. With fine weather forecast leading in, the track could continue to improve and could well end up in the Good range come race one. Expect a fair surface for racing throughout the day.
Track: Soft6 (upgrade likely)
Rail: True
Selections for each of the nine races below:
Shesascorcher (#13) was solid first-up when running 2nd at Timaru, having every chance but unable to reel in the winner. She’ll be better for that run and may be better suited to the improving track this time. With Tina Comignaghi staying aboard, she’s worth another chance.
| 13. Shesascorcher (6) 54kg356X2 |
Buster Shaw (#4) resumes following a strong trial effort. His northern form before a freshen included a couple of handy runs at Ellerslie, and this looks a winnable race to kick off his campaign. Expect him to settle handy from the good draw and be in the finish.
| 4. Buster Shaw (5)SCRATCHED: | |||
Maybe Diva (#11) had no luck at Riccarton last start when finishing 5th. She was a dominant winner prior and now gains the services of Vinnie Colgan. Not overly concerned about the wide draw given her racing pattern. Can go close here.
| 11. Maybe Diva (17)SCRATCHED: | |||
Rosso (#2), an ex-Irish stayer formerly with the Freedmans in Melbourne, debuts for the Pitman team. His Australian form in deeper staying contests reads well for this grade. The market will be an important guide late, but he clearly looks the horse to beat on paper.
| 2. Rosso (10) 59kgX9204 |
Prince Alby (#2) was brave when finishing 2nd last start despite the large margin, and now looks well placed third-up stepping to 2200m. While many of his wins have come on Heavy tracks, he has also handled firmer ground in the past too. The claim helps and he can go one better.
| 2. Prince Alby (2) 59.5kg98X42 |
Texas Dolly (#8) was luckless first-up, where she had backsides in front of her the entire way down the straight. From a middle draw she maps to settle back of midfield and can finish over the top late with better luck in running.
| 8. Texas Dolly (8) 54kg227X8 |
Sir Albert (#5) was narrowly beaten first-up and has since kept ticking over with a trial win. Drying conditions are in his favour, and the booking of Bruno Queiroz is a plus. He should get every chance to go one better here.
| 5. Sir Albert (5) 56kg509X2 |
Miss Starlight (#5) remained unbeaten with a dominant performance in Listed company last start, beating many of these in the process. She maps for a near-identical run here, and If they only go at a moderate-even tempo, she’ll be very tough to beat.
| 5. Miss Starlight (9) 55kg111 |
Little But Fierce (#13) got an ideal trip off the pace last start and put her rivals away late. She steps up in grade here but looks likely to handle the class rise if she can run up to the last start win. Leading contender in an open race.
| 13. Little But Fierce (4) 55kg07X21 |