Otaki September 26

 

 

A four-time winner last season between 1600m and 2200m, he was always going to find 1400m too short first-up. He was slow to jump and settled second-last, but caught the eye making up ground to finish fourth. Look out for him over longer distances.

 

 

Te Rapa September 27

 

 

This was a promising first-up run over 1100m. In her first raceday appearance since May, she was taken back from her wide gate and settled second-last in a race without much pace. She ran on strongly to finish sixth and only three and a half lengths from the winner, running the fastest last 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m of the race.

 

 

Riccarton September 27

 

 

Saturday’s 1400m maiden was her first start since finishing fourth in the Warstep Stakes over 2000m in April. She launched a big run from the back of the field to be a close third with the fastest last 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m. A maiden win looks close when she steps up over a longer distance.

 

 

Waverley September 28

 

 

Fifth in the Lowland Stakes over 2100m last season, this daughter of Zed found the line nicely for fifth over 1400m in her first start of the new season. She might be one to follow over more ground.