Best Bet

Race 1 - #1 NEDWIN (Win)

Huge fan of how Nedwin profiles for this feature hurdle at Te Rapa on Saturday. He won impressively on the flat at Rotorua on Tuesday, which should have him right on song for this test. Champion jumps jockey, Aaron Kuru, booked for the ride is a big plus. Nedwin’s win three back at this course/distance is a perfect guide for Saturday, as I expect the track conditions will be very similar also. His main threat, Happy Star, is coming off a big campaign down at Riccarton, therefore more than happy to play the $2.30 around Nedwin.

Next Best Bet

Race 7 - #6 BURN TO SHINE (Win)

Happy to back Burn To Shine first up here, in what looks a very winnable assignment for him. His latest trial wasn’t visually impressive, however, he was throttled right down over the last 100m. The better guide was his trial prior at Te Rapa, where he looked to finish strongly under his own steam on the Heavy9 against some classy types. He has the tactical speed to lead this field from the low gate, where he could prove hard to reel in. I expect he could potentially drift from the current quote of $3.60, although I am happy to have a play at the current price.