2025 New Zealand Cup Day Preview

HELLDANCER (8) resumes here, last sighted finishing down the track in May on a testing Heavy10 that didn’t suit. Her only career win came at this track and trip last year, and she Craig Grylls aboard from a favourable draw again this year. In what looks a very even affair, she would take some beating if she reproduced her first-up effort from this carnival last year.

ROSSO (11) was a touch disappointing here last weekend, but the 2000m may simply have been too sharp for him. He jumps straight back up to 2600m here and maps to settle closer in the run. Daniel Stackhouse takes the ride, which looks a big plus for his chances. Expecting an improved effort.

BELARDO ACE (5) produced a big effort first-up, coming from well back to finish 4th after being detached in the run. Staying at 1400m second-up looks suitable and the long roomy Riccarton straight should aid his chances. The wide gate isn’t ideal on paper, but he looks capable of overcoming it in this field.

AIRPARK HUSTLER (1) ran a good race for 3rd here last start, settling off the speed and not having all favours early in the straight. He now draws low and gets Daniel Stackhouse, which looks a key positive for his chances. Looks the one they have to beat if he can position handy to the speed.

CONTEMPLATION BAY (9) was only okay to the eye in the Canterbury Breeders Stakes last start, although she was forced to sustain a wide run from the back. She gets a far better draw here and should be able to settle much closer in the run. With that better map on paper, an improved effort can be expected. Clearly on top.

PLATINUM ATTACK (5) was dominant here last weekend, settling midfield with cover before rounding them up late with ease. He looks well suited rising to 1200m second-up and maps to secure a similar run just ahead of midfield with cover. Hard to beat if he repeats last week’s effort.

HE’S LUCID (4) resumes, last seen finishing 3rd on a Heavy10 in July. His recent trial was encouraging, closing off well under his own steam. He draws wide and will get back, but if he can latch onto the right back and blend into the race late, he should be finding the line well. 1200m is a touch sharp for him but could be a blowout chance if they overdo it in front.

TAJANA (12) ran well when finishing 3rd in the Soliloquy Stakes last start without having all favours. She maps to settle midfield with cover from the low draw in a race that looks to have a genuine early tempo. While she is a filly taking on the boys, she looks the one to beat on paper for mine.

MISS FIREBALL (5) was brave in defeat here last weekend, where she was wide with cover for much of the race. Drawing the inside here looks highly advantageous and should afford her every chance to see out the 2000m. Can go one better with a soft run in transit under Grylls.

TITICACA (13) impressed with the way he went through his gears here last weekend, finishing off strongly behind race rival Just Charlie. He maps to get a quiet run from the low draw in a race that appears to have solid early pressure. He’ll eat up the 3200m and will be hard to hold out late.

MAYBE DIVA (15) was huge here last weekend, blasting home from last to finish 2nd. The mile holds no fears and the handy draw should allow her to settle a touch closer. If she gets clear air in the straight, she’ll be flashing at them late again.