Ellerslie stages an eight-race program this Saturday. Rainfall forecast in the lead-up should see the surface remain in Soft range throughout the meeting.
Track: Soft5 (possible downgrade to Soft6)
Rail: Out 8.5m
Selections for each of the eight races below:
Harvey Wallbanger (#1), a 2yo son of Home Affairs from the Tony Pike stable, makes his debut off an impressive trial win where he lengthened nicely late when asked for an effort. It’s a small but tricky field of 2yo’s on debut, yet on exposed trial form, he’s the one to beat for mine.
| 1. Harvey Wallbanger (4) 57kg |
Liquid Fire (#7) was good first-up on the polytrack when grinding home for 4th. He’ll strip fitter for that run and maps to settle handy to the speed from the low draw. With natural improvement and a return to turf, he looks one of the main winning chances.
| 7. Liquid Fire (2) 56.5kg590X4 |
Mizzette’s (#15) late work in strong 3yo fillies company last start was excellent, finding the line nicely in a field stacked with quality. The blinkers go on for this and she looks very well placed back against maidens. From the low draw she should land a touch handier and prove hard to hold out.
| 15. Mizzette (3) 55.5kg58 |
Master Fay (#3) is a classy sprinter resuming, last seen contesting the Gr.1 Railway back in January. His two quiet trials suggest he’s returned in good order. He has the tactical speed to position just off the pace and can be fighting out the finish.
| 3. Master Fay (5) 56.5kg03X0X |
Social Climber’s (#11) past two runs here have both been full of merit, particularly two back when flying home from the tail. From the wide draw she’s likely to get back again, but a likely strong tempo should suit her. With 55kg after the claim, she can storm home late if the leaders overdo it.
| 11. Social Climber (14) 58kg42677 |
What You Wish For (#5) didn’t have all favours first-up, he was held up before only battling when clear. He’ll be fitter now second-up and maps to settle closer this time. With Craig Grylls aboard and out to 1600m, expect sharp improvement.
| 5. What You Wish For (6) 56.5kg154X0 |
Casemiro’s (#1) two runs this campaign over this track and trip have been full of merit. Despite another wide draw, the mile start gives Wiremu Pinn time to find a spot one-off. He backs up quickly from last weekend and looks ready to go one better in this line-up.
| 1. Casemiro (9) 61kg05232 |
Burn To Shine (#3) resumes off a long break, last sighted in February 2024. His two trials leading in have been excellent, suggesting he’s returned in terrific order. While he may improve with the run, his class alone should carry him a long way. Expect a bold showing.
| 3. Burn To Shine (7) 59.5kg19X3X |