Meeting Overview: (as at 25/12)

The track was rated a Good 3 on Sunday afternoon but a few Christmas Day showers has seen this ease back out to a Soft 5. Looking at the forecast, we can expect a few showers to continue until raceday so I suspect this track could start the day in the Soft 6 or 7 range.

The rail is in the True position for this iconic meeting, this is a rail position we haven’t used at Pukekohe since the meeting on 7 November, with all meetings since either having the rail out 3m or 6m. This will provide a beautiful, fresh surface for all runners tomorrow. This track should play consistently through the card, should those showers not worsen into more serious rain.

Best Bet

Race 4 - #5 WILD NIGHT (Win)

You could argue he has been somewhat of a forgotten horse since we last saw him as a 3YO. Returning after a long layoff at Otaki over 1200m, he raced a little keenly early and made a big run around horses but was very strong to the line and I think the step out to 1400m should suit him ideally. His career record is sensational, and while this is a tidy field, you can’t ignore the fact that he won five in a row before a close 2^nd in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic to Prowess and a 2.8L 3^rd at WFA in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke behind Sharp ‘n’ Smart. I think it won’t be long before we see him back in elite company and the $2.50 on offer currently is as long as he will be before they jump tomorrow.

Next Bet

Race 6 - #11 QUINTESSA (Win)

I was big on her last start, and she was probably the run of the race. She got back as expected off a slow tempo and closed hard with some super sectionals. I think the rise to 1400m will suit her perfectly in this event and the prospect of a Soft track holds no fears. My only concern is the low barrier for a horse with her ‘get back’ racing pattern, but Michael McNab is the person for the job on top and the long Pukekohe straight should see her get every chance. There looks to be plenty of early speed in this event, which will only aid her chances and at $5 on opening, I am very happy to be in her camp here.

Value Bet

Race 9 - #2 NO COMPROMISE (Each Way)

He is a quality galloper and one who consistently fronts up and runs a bold race. He secured a brave Gr.1 win in last years Metropolitan handicap (2400m) in Sydney and I think his recent form at WFA in Sydney behind horses such as Zeyrek and Montefillia is enough to make him a major player in this. Added to this, the prospect of a track in the Soft range and he is a horse you can not ignore. We know he has the quality to win a Group 1 and he looks to be going as well as he can. I think the $14 & $4 opening quote was more than generous, but I am still happy to play him as an each way prospect at $8 & $2.70 despite the significant shorten in this market.