Best Bets

Race 4 - #7 ASTRON

Race 6 - #1 SHAMUS

Race 5 - #3 ARBY (Each Way)

Roughie

Race 9 - #7 FLYING SURF

 

FEATURE RACE PREVIEW

Race 5 – Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (Group Three)

Key Runners

#1 DESERT LIGHTNING

#3 ARBY

#13 FLAMENCO

#14 CHEVAL D’OR

Summary

A competitive field of 3yo’s engaged over the 2000m, with a few of these stepping back from Group One assignments at their latest starts. #4 TOUGH TIME & #2 OPAWA JACK looks the likely leaders, expecting they’ll roll along at an even tempo. #1 DESERT LIGHTNING heads the market, off the back of his 8^th in the G1 NZ Derby last start.

Betting Strategy

Back (Each Way) - #3 ARBY

His last start 6^th was ultra impressive in the G1 Levin Classic, where most struggled to make any ground in the race, he rattled off the fastest closing 800m, 400m and 200m. The wide draw could prove to be sticky, however, the step up to 2000m should be an ideal progression against weaker opposition than he faced last start. Looks a nice each way bet at the price.

 

Race 7 – Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (Group One)

Key Runners

#1 TROBRIAND

#6 TULSI

#7 LOWE FLYING

Summary

A quality field of 2yo’s assembled, with all of these stepping out over the 1400m trip for the first time. The first 50m will be telling for many of these here, with the likes of #1 TROBRIAND, #3 LANTERN WAY and #9 APRILLIA all looking likely to be contesting the early speed. #1 TROBRIAND heads the market, after his back-to-back placings behind Tokyo Tycoon.

Betting Strategy

Back (Place) - #6 TULSI

She looks to be a very talented 2yo who has the talent to be running in the first three, if not winning here. She will likely be looking for cover around midfield from the wider gate (8), which should be doable for Ryan Elliot should they get along early in this. Her breeding and performances to date also suggest that the 1400m will be right up her alley. The Benner/Wynyard team have had this race identified for her a long way out, expecting her to go close with even luck.

 

Race 8 – City of Palmerston North Awapuni Gold Cup (Group Two)

Key Runners

#1 HE’S A DOOZY

#4 PINARELLO

Summary

Another competitive lineup assembled for this 2000m contest for the open class horses. The speed in the race looks to be coming from #6 COLORADO STAR & #10 THE MAYOR, #16 CIAMBELLA will also be right on the speed if she gains a start. #4 PINARELLO holds early favouritism, ahead of #2 BRANDO on the second line of betting.

Betting Strategy

Back (Win) #4 PINARELLO (Soft5 or better)

Winner of the 2022 G1 QLD Derby, he looks much more suited over the 2000m 2^nd up. He’s much better served at the weights under the Open SW&P with only 56.5kg on his back, as opposed to the 61kg he lugged over 1400m in an Open Handicap first up. I believe his best would see him winning this on a Soft5 or better, will just be watching the rain radar as the day goes on.