Ellerslie stages a nine-race card this Saturday, with competitive fields across the board. Isolated showers in the lead-up should see the track remain a Soft5, before warm, clear conditions on Saturday may see an upgrade to a Good4. Expect a fair surface with runners across all lanes likely to get their chance. Track: Soft5 (possible upgrade to Good4)Rail: Out 4m Selections for each of the nine races below: Ellerslie Race 1 2 Home Secretary 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…

It’s the final day of the NZ Cup Carnival this Saturday at Riccarton, featuring both the Gr.1 2000 Guineas and the New Zealand Cup. Given this will be the third meeting in seven days at the same rail position, those mounting their runs off the inside lanes may be favoured as the day progresses. Track: Soft5 Rail: True Selections for each of the 11 races below: Riccarton Race 1 8 Helldancer 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…

It’s Day 1 of the New Zealand Cup Carnival this Saturday at Riccarton, with Group 1 racing on the card in the form of the Barneswood Farm Thousand Guineas. A clear forecast in the region will ensure we should be on a firm and fast racing surface come raceday. Track: Soft6 (likely Good4 come raceday)Rail: True Selections for each of the 11 races below: Riccarton Race 1 4 Take On 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…

Tauranga stages an 11-race program this Saturday. With fine weather expected, an upgrade to a Good4 looks likely by raceday. Expecting those up on speed may be favoured if the track is to firm. Track: Soft6 (improving to Good4)Rail: True Selections for each of the 11 races below: Tauranga Race 1 5 Undisputed 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…

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: Good4Rail: Out 7m (1000m–WP), Out 10m remainder Selections for each of the 11 races below: Riccarton Race 1 10 Swoomee Swan 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…

Ellerslie stages an eight-race program this Saturday. Rainfall forecast in the lead-up should see the surface remain in Soft range throughout the meeting. Track: Soft5 (possible downgrade to Soft6)Rail: Out 8.5m Selections for each of the eight races below: Ellerslie Race 1 1 Harvey Wallbanger Harvey Wallbanger (#1), a 2yo son of Home Affairs from the Tony Pike stable, makes his debut off an impressive trial win where he lengthened nicely late when asked for an effort. It’s a small but tricky field of 2yo’s on debut, yet on exposed trial form, he’s the one to beat for mine.  Ellerslie…

Group 1 racing returns to Ellerslie this Saturday, headlined by the running of the Gr.1 Livamol Classic. A clear and sunny forecast in the Auckland region should see the present in outstanding order for racing. Track: Soft5Rail: Out 5.5m Tips for each of the 10 races below: Ellerslie Race 1 1 Golden Wings Golden Wings (#1) was brave in defeat over this track and trip back in April, running 2nd after sitting wide without cover throughout. His recent trial win suggests he’s returned in excellent order, and from the wide draw he’s likely to push forward and take up a…

Ashburton stages a nine-race card this Saturday. With fine weather forecast leading in, the track could continue to improve and could well end up in the Good range come race one. Expect a fair surface for racing throughout the day. Track: Soft6 (upgrade likely)Rail: True Selections for each of the nine races below: Ashburton Race 1 13 Shesascorcher Shesascorcher (#13) was solid first-up when running 2nd at Timaru, having every chance but unable to reel in the winner. She’ll be better for that run and may be better suited to the improving track this time. With Tina Comignaghi staying aboard,…

Matamata stages an eight-race card this Saturday. Significant showers are forecast and a downgrade deep into the Heavy range by raceday looks likely, which will make wet-track ability an important factor throughout. Track: Soft7 (likely Heavy range raceday)Rail: True Selections for each of the eight races below: Matamata Race 1 5 Smart Tip Smart Tip (#5) was an eye catcher last start, where she was seen surging to the line late. She backs up quickly from Wednesday, so arrives rock hard fit, and the prospect of a Heavy track will not hinder her chances. Expecting her to be running another…

Hāwera stages an eight-race card this Saturday. Significant showers are forecast and a downgrade well into the Heavy range by raceday looks very likely. Testing conditions could be the order of the day. Track: Soft6 (likely downgrade into Heavy range)Rail: True Selections for each of the eight races below: Hāwera Race 1 11 Cirque Du Rose Cirque Du Rose (#11) ran an honest race for 4th at Taupo last start despite sitting wide without cover for the latter half of the race. She should be improved for that effort and looks well placed down in the weights here. While the…