Best Bets

Race 5 #1 TOKYO TYCOON

Race 7 #7 EL VENCEDOR

Race 8 #8 PROWESS

Value Bet

Race 3 - #10 HIGHLIGHTER

 

FEATURE RACE PREVIEW

Race 5 - SISTEMA STAKES (Group 1)

Key Runners

#1 TOKYO TYCOON

#4 ETHEREAL STAR

Summary

A small field of 2YO’s do battle here for that elusive Group 1 title. The speed in the race will come from #5 ULANOVA who will cross from gate 6 at the start. From there I see #6 BELLA RAGAZZA holding the trail from gate 2 and #4 ETHEREAL STAR working her way across to sit in the one back, one out position. Don’t be surprised to see the hot favourite #1 TOKYO TYCOON settle last in running.

Betting Strategy

Back (Win) - #1 TOKYO TYCOON

With very little value on offer in this race, it’s hard to go past this horse. He just keeps stepping up and delivering every time we see him race. His win in the Karaka Million 2YO was scintillating and then again last start at Matamata, he looked in control a long way out. I think Opie Bosson will take him back to the rear of this small field and his turn of foot should be too good in the finish.

 

Race 8 - BONECRUSHER NEW ZEALAND STAKES (Group 1)

Key Runners

#6 CAMPIONESSA

#7 LA CRIQUE

#8 PROWESS

Summary

This race is tricky to map on paper, with the likes of #4 THE MAYOR drawn 1 and #2 TRUE ENOUGH drawn 3 I expect these two will roll to the top early which leave #3 CHASE from gate 2 and #7 LA CRIQUE drawn 5 to slide into the trailing positions. Importantly I think #1 DEFIBRILLATE and #8 PROWESS will end up in 5^th and 6^th position racing in pairs. This will give the 3YO filly PROWESS a chance to trail LA CRIQUE and should give her every chance to chase her to the line.  

Betting Strategy

Back (Win) - #8 PROWESS

Another race where there isn’t a whole lot of value on offer. The form around PROWESS has stood up so far and she appears to be right at the top of this 3YO crop, which is a huge endorsement on what the 3YO’s have already achieved this season. She maps to get on the back of the right horse in LA CRIQUE. I think she is still untapped, and this race looks like a great opportunity for her to secure a well-deserved win at the elite level.

 

Race 9 - BARFOOT & THOMPSON AUCKLAND CUP (Group 2)

Key Runners

#1 LADIES MAN

#6 NERVE NOT VERVE

#13 AQUACADE

Summary

The time-honoured Auckland cup over 3200m boasts an exciting field with the Wellington, Avondale, Invercargill & Queen Elizabeth Cup winners of this season all lining up. It looks like it will be a sedate tempo here with the potential for #12 ATA RANGI to cross from a wide gate and take it up early. From there I can see #5 ROGER THAT settling in a trailing position from his low draw and that will mean #6 NERVE NOT VERVE can cross easily from gate 12 to sit outside the leaders, which in turn will give race favourite #13 AQUACADE a back to follow across and she can settle near the speed easily enough from her wide draw too.

Betting Strategy

Back (Win) - #13 AQUACADE

Her form this prep has been sensational and at the weights, this race is ideal for her. She will have to face the rise to 3200m for the first time, but she was strong through the line last start and with a conservative ride, I think it isn’t an issue.

Back (Top 4) - #3 LINCOLN KING

He has been screaming out for 3200m and he has a great staying record. His run last start was very strong through the line and the booking of Opie Bosson is a big plus. He will keep running on as some others will come to the end of their runs over 3200m.