Meeting Overview:

Going: Good4 (as at 27/10)

Rail: Out 7m 

The rail is out 7m for this meeting and we are returning to Pukekohe for the first time since June. The track has been in the Good range all week and with showers falling this morning, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it drift in to the Soft5 range come race morning. With sunshine forecast all day on Saturday, we may even see it back to a Good4, should these showers be enough to cause a downgrade between now and then. As usual, I expect to see the track play very fairly, with front runners maybe having a slight edge given the rail being out 7m.

 

Best Bet

Race 2 - #5 PETRUCCI (Win)

I’m a big fan of this classy mare and was duly rewarded for following her when she scored a stylish win fresh up this campaign. She is only lightly tried and now finds herself in Open company, but this is not a deep race, and I am confident she possesses the attributes to be here. With it being a small field, I don’t see a heap of early speed and imagine it will be a tactical race. Petrucci is drawn 1 and should be able to find a cozy spot early and the long Pukekohe straight will give her every chance to unleash that lethal sprint she has. I doubt we will see her pay any more than the current quote of $2.20.

Next Bet

Race 4 - #13 ROC DANCER (Each Way)

A big field and an open one at that for the Rating 65 stayers here. I was impressed with the run of this horse last start at Hastings on a premier day and a repeat dose of the effort when 4^th on that occasion should see her go close again in this event. Drawn to get a beautiful run around midfield near the rail, she will appreciate the big roomy Pukekohe track and the 1kg claim of talented visiting hoop, Celine Gaudray may just be a key factor for Roc Dancer. With early market support already, the $9/$3 on opening was as good of a price as we will see before they jump in this event.