Best Bet

Race 1 - #1 BUTLER (Win)

He is a class act this horse and he comes into this race with great Heavy track stats, as well as a positive fresh up record. He has been lumped with the big top weight but deservedly so as his overall record is sensational (13: 6-4-0). In form apprentice Triston Moodley takes the ride and with that takes 4kg off, down to 58kg. This is only a small field, and his best is superior to them. The opening price of $2.80 is as good as we will see for him, and the early market support suggests he is the main player.

Next Best Bet

Race 6 - #1 CRYSTALLIZE (Win)

He is an old warrior who wears his heart on his sleeve. Last start he was up to peak race fitness but had to endure a tough run where he was taken on in front. The horse who pestered him in front last start dropped out, but he stuck on gamely for a narrow 2^nd. He has another big weight to lug here but the 3kg claim of Ace Lawson-Carroll will go a long way. Ace has had plenty of race day experience on him and the horses record at Pukekohe and over 1500m is a big tick. In this field, $4.80 on opening was generous and I am confident he can settle near the speed, and you know he will give his all late in a tough finish.

FEATURE RACE PREVIEW

Race 3 - BARFOOT & THOMPSON AUCKLAND FUTURITY STAKES (LISTED)

Key Runners

#1 SALTCOATS

He looks like a smart horse in the making and he has become a more polished product with every race start to date. The form surrounding his last start 3^rd looks very strong and with a nice draw in gate 4, he should be able to find a position with cover near the speed. The question mark is the Heavy track, but he seemingly handled it well enough when last spotted at the races. He rises to 1400m for this which should hold no concern as his debut run over 1300m was strong from a horse who had plenty to learn.

#7 EGYPTIAN QUEEN

She was arguably the run of the day last start at Matamata. She missed the kick and had a mountain of work to do and only went down a small margin on a very Heavy track. Her record is impressive without troubling the scorer yet. The form reference between her and Saltcoats has to be Solidify whom both horses have finished behind in recent runs. The Heavy track shouldn’t be a concern and you can back her with confidence knowing she will be closing hard late. With 1400m seemingly ideal for her racing style.

#5 ONEIRA

It’s hard to fault a horse who is yet to see the rear end of another when publicly sighted at the races and trials. It was a strong performance on debut last start when accounting for race rival Egyptian Queen at Matamata. She held a strong gallop through the line over 1200m on debut and with that, 1400m will likely hold no concern for this filly, who you can be confident will handle conditions on Saturday.

Betting Strategy

#1 SALTCOATS (Win)

I like the way he has improved as a racehorse with each run and this race looks like an ideal option for him. 1400m should be right in his sweet spot and if he reproduces his effort from last start, I think it is enough to score here. He is likely a better horse on top of the ground, but he appears to have plenty of class.