Meeting Overview:

Going: Heavy 10 (as at 29/09)

Rail: Out 7m

While it appears, the rain has stopped at Riccarton, it hasn’t been missed this week. With a whopping 64mm in the last 7 days, of which 13mm has fallen in the past 24 hours, we will be racing on a genuine Heavy 10 track tomorrow. The rail is out 7m, the same position it was when we last raced there on 16^th September, which is 1 metre in from the meeting before that (2^nd September), I imagine riders will begin to go wider and wider as the day progresses, seeking fresher ground.

ROBERT LOGAN

Best Bet

Race 5 - #3 PENVOSE LAD (Win)

I have been a fan of this horse since very early in his career. He was ultra-consistent as a 2YO and the fresh up run last start against the older horses suggests he has come back in a similar vein of form. We have seen him score a big win in his one start on a Heavy track and I think that and the rise to 1400m are the keys to aid his chances here. He will strip fitter for the fresh up run and the way the track will play, the wider gate shouldn’t be a concern. With a few of these runners likely to ensure a genuine tempo, I see him traveling in a stalking position just off the speed and presenting with strong run late to score.

MITCH DAVIS

Best Bet

Race 8 - #5 TARAMEA LAD (Win)

Wet track specialist who is going to enjoy the Heavy10 conditions at Riccarton on Saturday. Taramea Lad gets a significant 5kg weight swing on race favourite, Aljay, from when they last met in the Winter Cup in August. Taramea Lad won emphatically at his only try over this course/distance on a Heavy10, which looks a great guide for this race. The only concern I have is that regular rider, Kylie Williams, has elected to ride Loquita, however Krishna Mudhoo knows the horse having ridden Taramea Lad previously. The $5 currently available is overs for mine, although I expect he could get out to a better price come the jump on Saturday.