Best Bets

Race 1 - #12 SENSE OF TIMING

With the rail out 6m on a likely dry surface, I am a big fan of this Te Akau debutant’s chances. Her trials to date have exhibited above average ability, with plenty of tactical speed to boot. The engagement of Sam Spratt and the low draw are big ticks for mine, looking for her to be taking up a prominent position early and proving hard to catch.

Race 3 - #7 LERADO

Lightly tried 3yo son of Belardo who turned in a much-improved performance when finishing 2^nd at Matamata last start, where he posted the fastest closing 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m of the race. The form out of that race is strong, with the 3^rd and 4^th placegetters clearing maiden ranks at their subsequent starts. The wide draw is the only concern for mine, however, with even luck he should be hard to beat in this field.

Race 5 - #10 FERNANDEZ

Getting back on top of the ground will be a big assist for this filly. She is well overdue for a maiden victory, having been runner-up in three of her four starts this preparation – with her first-up 2^nd being behind the highly talented Master Brutus. She maps to get a nice run from the draw (6), where Kozzi Asano should be able to have her handy to the speed without doing too much work early.