RACE 1
Give the nod to Stock Broker (3) in the opener. Has been hitting around the mark in recent races. Drawn awkwardly but it does
not really matter as he can get back. Top prospect. Run Cheetah Run (4) is not the type who puts two good runs together. Has
trained on after his last-start fighting win, but he may have to settle for a place here, especially from the bad gate. Bastion
(5) may not have set the world alight but he is making slow headway. It would not surprise if he sneaks in for a place in
this. Aloha (1) is down in grade. Ninth last time out but not far off the winner Elise. Will find this easier. Can include in
calculations.
RACE 2
Super Hero (1) defied his long odds to run a close third to smart stablemate Skywalk at his last outing. Will relish the extra 100m.
Big say. His stablemate and newcomer Rewarding Smile (4) has shown some potential at his barrier trials. Horror gate might
make a few hesitate. Place claims look better. Super Red (11) let down nicely to finish fourth to Kiwi Leo last time out. Marble
one. Likely improver here. Awatere (9) did not run a bad race on debut. Would have improved a few lengths since. Good barrier.
Can make the board with some luck.
RACE 3
There was a lot to like about the way Black Swan (5) flew from last to just find one to beat at his last start. Extra 400m should be
right up his alley. Leading hope. Arhat (1) duly got off the mark after coming close so many times. Did not quite see out the
2000m two runs back but is worth another shot. Should be thereabouts. Over Easy (8) showed his win two runs back was no
fluke with another bold attempt next time out last Friday, only to be found out inside the last furlong. On the quick back-up and
deserves respect if he can bowl along freely. Nice gate helps his cause. Bimala (9) did not quite have the same turn of foot at her
first attempt at 2000m. Having another go and should be more competitive this time.
RACE 4
Speed dash with no real standout. The Cosmos (4) never threatened at his last run, bringing an end to a series of seconds.
Working well on the training tracks. Cross-noseband off. Can atone. Keep an eye on Be Bold (7). Showed promise at his first
couple of starts, but did not quite put it together at his last two starts before he was freshened up. Trialled very well last
Tuesday. Blinkers removed. Will be in the firing line. Mr Luck (9) was ridden quieter at his last run and lost no marks with a third
place. Well drawn. Don’t leave him out of your calculations. From his good gate, Special ID (6) will probably take up the running
here. Able to give some sight if he is left alone in front.
RACE 5
It looks like the blinker-pacifiers switched Horaz Samosir (6) right on at her last outing. She had to overcome a wide gate and still
ran a fighting third. Should get a more economical run from gate No 3. Sing Energy (8) is slowly coming to hand. Looks like he
wants further but 1400m should do. Not without a say here. Evertrust (5) looked half a chance at the top of the straight at his
last race but his condition gave out late. Switches back to turf. Good chance from the lovely draw. Million Round (3) is reverting
to turf. Does run on at the business end. Longshot for a place in this moderate lot.
RACE 6
Even contest. Keystone (2) ran a super second first-up from an eight-month layoff. Blinkers back on and he has drawn an alley.
Go close. Debutant Winning Express (9) scored a barrier trial win on June 21. May need the run first-up but a place on board is
well within his means. Natural Impulse (6) held on bravely for third at his last start. Not without ability and won’t be long before
he opens his account. US-bred filly Lucky Sugar (10) gave a glimpse of some ability in two starts. Looks to have tightened up
further. Will try and steal a march from marble one. Tongue-tie and earmuffs on.
RACE 7
Handy sort Knight Wager (4) looked a big threat first-up from a freshen but had to settle for third place. Back in trip but he’s won
over 1200m before. Strong claims. Rafaello (5) can be credited with a solid run at his last outing when fifth to Nova Strike, less
than four lengths astern. Solid claims. Flak Jacket (2) looked like he was in an ideal spot at his last run but remained one-paced
to the line. Back in trip which should be to his advantage. Commands respect. White Hunter (7) can mix his form but is not out of
his depth in this. Better gate enhances his chance of leading, which suits him better. Winkers off. Can make amends.
RACE 8
On his last-start second to Alan, Lim’s Respond (2) looks to be the only one with some decent form in this. Horror gate is a cause
for concern but if he can overcome this setback, he will be the one to run down. Fuku Ichiban (9) had the awkward alley against
him at his last run. Jumps from a middle gate this time. Form looks good on the outside. Patchy form but he can take a hand in
this if on song.Miss Waimataitai (11) is not an easy filly to gauge. Did make some ground late at her switch back to turf at her
last start. Visors on. Moderate chance. Easy Dragon (8) has just the one third place to show for. Never in it with a chance at his
last start. Blinkers back on and tongue-tie on. Gives the impression he has made some headway. Just a roughie.
RACE 9
Nice little race to wrap up the night. Mr Mosa (7) will get all the favours from barrier No 1. Visors on. Should be able to dictate
with minimum fuss and will be hard to peg back. En Civil (1) had every chance at his last run. Low draw this time. Will give some
sight if things go his way. Storm Trooper (6) left his run too late at his last start. Trip suits and he should be right in the mix in
this. Tales Of Summer (3) is not far off his best form. Looked all set to attack the line at his last run but could not quite get on
with it. Can make the board.