Best Bets

Race 2 #2 CLASSIC DIVA

Based on her current form, she is very hard to go past here. She stays in Rating 75 grade after winning her last two here. She will face a rise in weights from 54kg last start to 57kg for this assignment but her last two wins have been strong performances and that suggests she can go again. The rise to 1800m shouldn’t be an issue for her either as she ran a solid 4^th in the 2000m Warstep Stakes as a 3YO. Kylie Williams should have no issue positioning her in a positive spot from gate 3 and with her versatility on differing ground, this looks like a race she can claim the hat-trick in.

Race 5 #1 CU CHULAINN

While his unbeaten streak came to an end last start, I think the rise to 1200m, and the slightly better footing will suit him better. He also meets PENVOSE LAD at equal weights here which will help. His wheels were clearly spinning in the straight last start on the H10 and if it remains a Soft track, I can see him getting over the top of these to score.

Value Bet

Race 6 - #3 DIVINE DIVE (E/W)
He has been racing extremely well since moving to the South Island. He does now find himself at the high end of the weight scale but his win against horses rated higher than this lot last start suggests that is well warranted. He likes to bowl in front and the draw should allow him to do so again here. He may wind up being vulnerable late over 1200m with the weight but if the rain does arrive and the track gets to the heavier side of Soft, he is a strong each way bet at around $10/$3.30.

 

FEATURE RACE PREVIEW

Race 5 - BERKLEY STUD CHAMPAGNE STAKES (LISTED)

Key Runners

#1 CU CHULAINN

#2 PENVOSE LAD

#4 GET FUNKY

Summary

I expect to see #2 PENVOSE LAD ridden positively again as done so when he scored a top win here last start, while #1 CU CHULAINN will take a sit early in behind him and be held up for one last run at them. The speed should be genuine here with the likes of #5 ILLICIT DREAMS, #6 SEMPER SUPRA & #8 MOTIONTIME also rolling forward.

Betting Strategy

Back (Win) - #1 CU CHULAINN

While his unbeaten streak come to an end last start, I think the rise to 1200m, and the slightly better footing will suit him better. He also meets PENVOSE LAD at equal weights here which will help. His wheels were clearly spinning in the straight last start on the H10 and if it remains a Soft track, I can see him getting over the top of these to score.

 

Race 7 - DAPHNE BANNAN MEMORIAL GREAT EASTER STAKES (LISTED)

Key Runners

#6 AVAQUINELLA

#1 LIVE DRAM

#11 DIVINE SAVA

Summary

An extremely deep an open race here for the Listed Great Easter Stakes. Lance Robinson holds a large key to the event with his three runners all occupying top spots in this market. There is a combination of the top open company horses who have been there before and the younger brigade coming through the grades.

Betting Strategy

Back (Top 4) - #11 DIVINE SAVA

This is a really tough contest to settle on one to win and due to the lack of confidence I am with DIVINE SAVA to bounce back and run top 4. She is a top mare on her day and with the track remaining in the soft range (hopefully) I think she will enjoy conditions. She gets in on the minimum weight in the event and she has been competitive against this level of opposition before. She will want some luck in running from a sticky gate, but it is an open race.