Riccarton Preview (NZ) – Saturday 8 November

Take On (#4) had no right to finish 3rd here last start after losing several lengths at the start. He now gets a more favourable middle draw under Tina Comignaghi and should be improved second-up. Expect him to get back again and look to finish over the top late.

Rosso (#6) blew his rivals away first-up in NZ, coming from near last against both the race and track pattern. This is tougher with a drop in trip and a race that may only be run at even tempo, but siding with his upside and raw staying ability. The one to beat.

Insatiable (#1) was very good first-up, finishing 4th in stronger company than he meets here. He now drops back significantly in class and gets Opie Bosson aboard. He does have to carry a big weight but over 1100m that shouldn’t be a major concern. Maps to stalk a genuine speed and should prove hard to beat.

Future Positive (#14) was only fair to the eye last start, but those back and wide were never in it. The drop back to 1200m from the chute looks no issue and she wears the blinkers here, plus the inside draw to work from. With a strong early tempo expected, she’ll just need the gaps late to be in the finish.

Platinum Pantheon (#9) was a dominant winner first-up, clearing out late for a decisive win on the line. The wide draw shouldn’t pose too many issues from the chute start, with Kylie Williams likely to float across in search of a back to follow Hard to beat if he holds that level from the first-up win.

Platinum Attack (#2) resumes, last sighted finishing 6th in Listed company back in April. His two trials this time in suggest he has returned in good order, particularly his most recent trial win. Drawn to get an ideal trail behind a genuine tempo and should have every chance to make his presence felt late.

Third Decree (#3) was excellent late last start, coming from a long way back against the pattern. She looks ideally suited under SW&P conditions and draws a favourable middle barrier under Sam Weatherley. Strong chance.

Titicaca (#7) comes here on the quick backup from Sunday where he was doing his best work through the line into 2nd. The rise to 2600m is ideal, having won over this distance here last year. Will likely get back but should be finishing as strongly as anything over the latter stages.

Miss Fireball (#17) was solid finishing 3rd on a testing track last start and will appreciate getting onto a firmer surface here third-up. The wide draw is not ideal but with Craig Grylls aboard, she has the right rider aboard to find a spot with cover. Can feature in the finish if she gets even luck early.

Well Written (#1) has been flawless in two starts to date and was dominant winning by 7.4L at Ellerslie last time. She should land handy from the low draw, likely in a pair behind the early speed. Hard to be against her.

Lilly (#15) was good first-up over 1200m here when she never really got clear. She should be better for the run and 1400m should be ideal second-up. Looks suited with just 52kg on her back after the claim, shapes as a strong each way chance to close the card.