Riccarton, May 15

QUEEN OF NAPLES

This Darci Brahma filly has run big races in both of her first two starts, going down by only half a head here in her first run over 1600m. She doesn't need to improve much to leave maiden ranks.

Ellerslie May 17

MIDNIGHT SCANDAL

An eye-catching return from the talented Belardo mare, who was making her first start since October. She finished strongly down the straight to be second and only a half-head from the winner, clocking the equal fastest last 200m in the race. She has an outstanding record on rain-affected ground, so should be in for a good winter.

Trentham May 17

WHEELITIN

She was sent out as a $51 outsider in her first start since October, but charged home for a close third and clocked the fastest last 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m in the race. Three of her four wins have come on heavy, so look out for her when the tracks deteriorate.

Hawera May 18

WIRE ROPE

A close third placing here was a promising return by the Bill Thurlow-trained gelding, who was held in high regard earlier in the season and raced against the likes of Leica Lucy, Wingman and Connello. Seems to handle wet ground well.