Riccarton plays host to an 11-race program this Saturday. Clear skies leading into raceday will see the surface in pristine order for racing, promising an ideal spring track for the duration of the sizeable card.
Track: Good4
Rail: Out 7m (1000m–WP), Out 10m remainder
Selections for each of the 11 races below:
Swoomee Swan (#10) wasn’t comfortable on the Heavy10 last start when a well-beaten 3rd, but her prior 2nd here on debut was excellent. Tina Comignaghi takes over, which is a positive, and back on top of the ground she looks ready to bounce back.
| 10. Swoomee Swan (5) J: Tina Comignaghi 54kg 23T: Robert Dennis |
Future Positive (#12) finished strongly from the back last start and now gets a much better draw to work with here. Kylie Williams sticks with just 54kg on her back, and she should get every chance in an even contest. Looks a solid each way play at the price.
| 12. Future Positive (2) J: Kylie Williams 54kg 39T: Lyn Prendergast |
Outback Girl (#5), a 2yo filly by Bivouac, debuts for Samantha Wynne off a professional trial win here last month. She showed good tactical speed and should have the pace to hopefully find the front underneath the favourite early. If she reproduces that trial effort, she’ll be hard to run down.
| 5. Outback Girl (3) J: Matt Cartwright 54kg T: Samantha Wynne |
Maybe Diva (#9) had no luck here last start when finishing 5th after being held up at key stages early in the straight. Her prior win here was dominant. With cover in running and clear air late, she’s a strong each way hope at odds.
| 9. Maybe Diva (7) J: Brandon May 57kg 5X15T: Andrew Carston |
Lilly (#13) resumes here, last seen finishing 6th in 3yo Listed company last season. Her recent trial was excellent, suggesting she’s come back in superb order. With just 52kg on her back under Donovan Cooper and a soft draw, she should be hitting the line strongly.
| 13. Lilly (3) J: Donovan Cooper 54kg 3426XT: Ross Beckett |
Jaffa (#8) was enormous first-up when 4th after being slow away and trapped wide for the duration. She gets a far better draw this time and should enjoy a kinder run in transit. With natural improvement second-up, she looks hard to beat.
| 8. Jaffa (2) J: Donovan Cooper 57kg 581X4T: Ross Beckett |
I’m A Dirty Rascal (#2) produced his best run this prep when 5th last start over 2600m. He now gets Opie Bosson aboard from an inside gate, which should see him given a soft run on the fence throughout. Stays all day and looks set to eat up the 3000m.
| 2. I’m A Dirty Rascal (1) J: Opie Bosson 57kg 9X005T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson |
War Of Silence (#1) was left in front a long way from home last start and was only collared late. The switch to visor blinkers and Opie Bosson taking over are big positives. He maps to roll forward in a race lacking early speed and could prove tough to run down if they go a moderate clip in front.
| 1. War Of Silence (8) J: Opie Bosson 57kg 12T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson |
Stonybreck (#5) won atylishly last start when allowed to stride forward and lead, winning by 5L. He stays at 1400m on a similar surface and maps to settle near the speed under Opie Bosson. Can go back-to-back.
| 5. Stonybreck (2) J: Opie Bosson 57kg 23231T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson |
Sir Albert (#4) was excellent when winning comfortably last start and looks ideally placed to repeat. He maps to settle just ahead of midfield with cover, which is perfect for him. Another firm surface will only help, and Matt Cartwright taking over only aids his chances.
| 4. Sir Albert (4) J: Leah Hemi 55.5kg 09X21T: Terri Rae |
Flat Stanley (#2) was excellent last start, flying home from well back for 3rd. He’ll likely be snagged back again from the wide draw, but with a genuine tempo engaged he’ll be charging late down the outer. Expect him to be finishing strongly once more.
| 2. Flat Stanley (16) J: Joe Doyle 59.5kg 3X833T: Danny Crozier |