Best Bets

Race 1 - #2 MR BLUE SKY (EACH WAY)

He’s a horse who showed plenty of promise early as 2yo without clearing maidens. His first-up run this time in was a pass mark. The addition of blinkers here, stepping up to 1400m second-up, with Michael McNab jumping aboard are all big ticks for mine that will see this horse have every chance to find his best here.

Race 7 - #2 AROMATIC (WIN)

Aromatic is coming into this off a 6-day back-up, where she was last seen running 6^th beaten 4.6L in the G1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. Despite running out of room in the closing stages, she closed off with the fastest last 600m in the race of 33.19, as well as running a 10.82s split between the 400m-200m in doing so. The additional 400m and Opie Bosson taking the ride will both only aid her chances here; she’ll also be rock hard fit on the quick back-up. She looks the mare to beat for mine, I had her marked much shorter than the $4.50 on open with TAB.

Race 8 - #12 SHE’S OUTRAGEOUS (EACH WAY)

The $8 opening price with TAB looks a more than generous price for She’s Outrageous. She’s yet to show the same form that saw her clear her maiden last campaign, however, she now steps up to the mile second up with Opie jumping on from the middle gate (7). This field is arguably weaker than most of the races she has contested since breaking maidens, if she runs up to her debut win, she should go close at each way odds.

FEATURE RACE PREVIEW

Race 7 – Martin Collins NZ Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (Group Three)

Key Runners

#1 ZOLA EXPRESS

#2 AROMATIC

#3 SAINT ALICE

Summary

A competitive field of mares tackle the 2000m, with many of these looking to add black type to their pedigree page. The race looks to have an even tempo, with #12 CIAMBELLA likely finding the lead and setting terms out in front and #5 LOVE FOR ALL coming across underneath her early. The early market for the race has #2 AROMATIC marked as the early favourite, on the quick back-up from her 6^th placing in the G1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes last weekend.

Betting Strategy

Back (WIN) - #2 AROMATIC

Aromatic is coming into this off a 6-day back-up, where she was last seen running 6^th beaten 4.6L in the G1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. Despite running out of room in the closing stages, she closed off with the fastest last 600m in the race of 33.19, as well as running a 10.82s split between the 400m-200m in doing so. The additional 400m and Opie taking the ride will both only aid her chances here; she’ll also be rock hard fit on the quick back-up. She looks the mare to beat for mine, I had her marked much shorter than the $4.50 on open with TAB.