Meeting Overview: 

The rail remains in the true position here, somewhere it has been all week. The track has played pretty fairly through all of cup week so far and I suspect it will be the same tomorrow. We may see a slight bias to those closer to the speed if any. Currently rated a Soft 6 and with showers forecast today, I am picking we will start the day on a Soft 5 tomorrow. With fine conditions and a small amount of wind forecast Saturday, there is a chance this track could touch a Good 4 through the card.

Best Bet

Race 9 - #5 MARIA FARINA (Each Way)

She was the run of the race on Day 1 here last week. She got back and ran home very strongly against the pattern of the day and her sectionals were exceptional, with a sub 32 second 600m, a sub 22 second 400m and a sub 11 second final furlong. The step up to 1200m for this looks ideal and her second up record is hard to look past (3:2-0-0). She gets in on the minimum for this and at the $5.50/$2.10 she is backable each way.

Next Bet

Race 11 - #3 UAREASTAR (Each Way)

Last years Auckland cup winners, she has had an impressive build up to this. She has to carry the 56.5kg which is arguably a fair weight for a horse with an Auckland cup win in this field. She will relish the step out to 3200m, and the prospect of a firm track will be something the connections welcome here. It’s an open event this year and I am happy to back a proven quality stayer at $6 & $2.30.