Tauranga Preview (NZ) – Saturday 1 November

Undisputed (#5) had little go his way on debut at Ruakaka, not suited by the shifting surface that day. His subsequent trial was strong, and he resumes here in what looks a winnable maiden. The wide draw poses a slight challenge, but George Rooke has 400m to find his position before the bend. Hard to beat if he reproduces his trial form.

The Ritz (#14), an Almanzor filly on debut for the O’Sullivan/Scott stable, has been kept quiet at the trials but found the line nicely each time. From her middle gate she’s likely to settle back and look to finish off hard late. One to follow going forward and a definite chance fresh. 

Lubeck (#5) was dominant first-up at Rotorua, dictating from the front and holding off a good subsequent winner in Cream Tart. There’s more early pace here, but she’s sharp enough to cross and lead if ridden positively early. If she can control things in front again, she’ll be very hard to run down. 

Renovations (#11) caught the eye first-up at Te Rapa when storming home from well back in a race where few made ground. She draws well to settle closer this time and retains Matt Cameron in the saddle. The extra 100m looks perfect and she’s capable of running a bold race at odds. 

Zantabulous (#12) resumes following two solid trials and looks well placed with just 52.5kg after the claim. Expect her to settle midfield or slightly worse in a race with good speed on paper. Fresh and down in the weights, she’s capable of producing a big late finish. Worth an each way play. 

Osteria (#7) was trapped wide and working first-up at Ellerslie but still boxed on fairly. He’s drawn to get a much softer run this time for George Rooke and maps ideally to settle just off the pace in a race with solid tempo. Ready to improve sharply second-up. 

Glamour Tycoon (#4) looks well placed third-up following two strong efforts this prep. The firmer footing and possibly on-speed pattern are both key positives, and she maps to lead comfortably, with minimal early pressure likely. If she finds the front uncontested, she’ll be very tough to reel in. 

He Who Dares (#2) ran a cracker first-up at Ellerslie, charging into 2nd. From an ideal draw he should land midfield with cover, and with Opie Bosson aboard and a genuine tempo expected, he’ll be closing strongly late again. 

The Prophet (#11) hasn’t had much luck in either run this prep but now looks ready to strike stepping to 2100m. He gets in light and maps to find a soft run just off the speed from the favourable draw. With a clearer passage this time, he can break through. 

Ramblin’ Rose (#6) was brave last start when finishing 7th in a tight finish at Ellerslie. Her previous runs this campaign have also been strong, and she now drops back to R65 company. She can be right in the finish again. 

Island Life (#10) was fair when resuming at Ellerslie and has since had a quiet trial to stay up to the mark. From a good gate under Craig Grylls, she maps to get the right run midfield with cover. Expecting good improvement second-up and a strong showing to round out the day.