Livamol Classic Day (Ellerslie, NZ) Preview – Saturday 18 October

Golden Wings (#1) was brave in defeat over this track and trip back in April, running 2nd after sitting wide without cover throughout. His recent trial win suggests he’s returned in excellent order, and from the wide draw he’s likely to push forward and take up a handy position. Can take some beating in a fresh state.

Forgive Solid Gold’s (#16) first-up effort at Taupo where she finished 4th after enduring a tough trip wide without cover. Her trials prior and market support on debut suggest we shouldn’t drop her just yet. With even luck from the middle draw, an improved effort can be expected.

Mille Grazie (#17) was only fair first-up, where the Heavy conditions weren’t to her liking. She looks far better suited on a firmer surface here, while an additional 200m will also be in her favour. Expect her to settle back from the very wide draw and charge late. An improved showing wouldn’t surprise at odds.

I Park (#14) looked as if he was going to run on by and win here last start before throwing the race away over the last 100m. The booking of George Rooke is a good move for a horse still capable of doing things wrong. Well weighted down on the minimum and drawn to settle closer than last start. He looks well placed to atone.

Osteria (#20) endured a torrid run when caught wide first-up here over 1100m after a 6-month lay-off. He strips fitter for that effort and has drawn to do far less work in the run. Should find this easier if he gains a start, capable of improving sharply second-up.

Croupier (#3) had genuine excuses resuming on a track that didn’t suit. He’s far better placed back on top of the ground and has already shown he can perform here at Ellerslie. Happy to give him another chance in what is a very even field.

Lollapalooza (#2) was game in defeat here last start behind Tajana and maps to stalk that rival this time from the draw. Her win prior was excellent and if they overdo it in front early, she’ll be storming over the top late. Hard to beat.

Tardelli (#1) was dominant first-up, scoring with ease while barely asked to extend until the final furlong. The weight and barrier here are slight knocks, but he maps to get a good drag forward early. With some luck early, this looks his race to lose again.

El Vencedor’s (#1) run in the Gr.1 Howden Mile was fair, but he’s far better suited getting back to Ellerslie and on a firmer track. He maps to roll forward and could lead, depending on the early tactics of Spanish Lad and Khan Hunter. His main threats in the race will be giving him a few lengths in the run, will take plenty of catching for mine.

Kiwi Skyhawk (#5) resumes off the back of two recent trials, which should have him forward enough for this first-up assignment. 1600m in a fresh state looks ideal, where he should get every chance under Cartwright from a good draw. Solid each way chance.