Express Desire Race 1 Ruakaka 3 July

That is two runs in a row where she has drawn wide, got back and stormed home for second. Plus, she ran the fastest closing sectionals in all categories and ran the fastest last 600m all day at Ruakaka, so she certainly has the ability to win at least a maiden. Her action and form do suggest she needs a decent surface though.

Rapid Recall Race 2 Ruakaka 3 July

After settling well four back on the inner, she was caught in a pocket after turning in. Once balanced up and in the clear, she found the line strongly for second, running the third fastest last 200m all day in 11.34, which suggests 1400m next-up will be ideal. She won at Te Rapa last year, so maybe back there on 24 July over 1400m could be the target.

Sacred Command Race 2 Ruakaka 3 July

He didn't show a lot of early speed and got back on the inner, but once he was able to get clear inside the last 150 metres, he found the line hard, running the second fastest last 200 metres of the race. Best suited over more ground so watch out for this nicely bred gelding to win in his next couple of starts.

Shelob Race 3 Ruakaka 3 July

Fresh-up here, she was unlucky in a R65 race, and in this race, she charged home for second in the fastest last 200m all day in 11.13. There looks to be a nice race for her here on the 17th over 1600m, so third-up and peaking, she has to be hard to beat.

Irish Girl Race 5 Ruakaka 3 July

She had every excuse to weaken after having the toughest run in the race out wide in the open, but still ran close to the best closing sectionals for second. With a couple of weeks until the next meeting back here, she is going to be very hard to beat, especially from a decent draw.

The Dom Race 7 Ruakaka 3 July

From a wide draw, he was caught wide on a strong tempo and naturally tired to seventh. The bonus is he drops back to a rating of 65, so watch out for him from a better draw back in class at his next couple of starts.

Hugh Glass Race 8 Ruakaka 3 July

From a wide draw, he had to work early to get one off, then before the turn, lost ground but came back strongly for fifth in the best last 200m of the race in 11.74, which in the context of the day was very good. Maybe blinkers could suit better along with a decent draw!