Ellerslie Preview (NZ) – Saturday 29 November

Home Secretary (#2) is a 2yo Home Affairs filly who was okay on debut, despite racing greenly throughout. She has trialled nicely since and looks aa though she’ll appreciate getting back to a right-handed track. The wide draw isn’t ideal, but Matt Cartwright taking over the riding duties is a positive.

The Prophet (#2) has been running well this campaign without quite threatening to win. He maps to take up a handier position than usual from the low draw, in a race that appears devoid of tempo. Shapes as the horse to beat in what is a tricky little staying contest.

Navy Ensign (#5) arrives here off two strong efforts for 2nd, both of which look like excellent form references for this calibre of maiden. The step up to 1300m third-up looks ideal. The wide gate is the obvious concern, but he does gain the services of Matt Cartwright. With any luck early, he looks the one to beat.

Mosinvader (#3) savaged the line first-up over this distance and should take natural improvement into this second-up assignment. He maps to get a perfect run just behind the speed, likely trailing the leaders on the fence. Clearly the one to beat if the gaps go his way.

Si Exquis (#11) was given very little hope last start yet still did extremely well to finish only 1.7L off the winner. She draws a much better gate here, with Masa Hashizume taking over in the saddle. With cleaner run in transit this time, she should take plenty of beating.

Happy Youmzain (#3) produced a very good effort for 3rd last start, where he didn’t get all favours in the straight. He’s been consistent this campaign since winning his maiden first-up on the polytrack. Expect him to get back from the wide draw and be finishing off strongly late again.

Sweynesday (#1) resumes here and looked excellent in his recent trial, drawing away to win mostly under his own steam. He maps to settle just behind the leaders in a race with genuine early tempo. Should be lurking as they turn in and will look to finish over the top late.

El Vencedor (#1) is the undoubtedly the class runner of this field and was dominant winning the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes here earlier in the month. While he steps away from WFA, he still looks well placed again under SW&P conditions here. Although he drops back to the mile, he should roll forward from the wide draw and will take a stack of beating.

Rise Companions (#9) is a lightly tried 5yo Capitalist gelding who broke his maiden stylishly first-up. The way he got home fresh suggests that the rise to 1300m looks ideal second-up. The wide draw means he’ll need some luck early, but with enough tempo engaged, he can slot in and be produced late. A strong each-way chance to close the day out.