Ashburton October 31

 

 

An impressive last-start winner at Timaru, this Vanbrugh filly was badly blocked in the straight and went untested to the line. She still finished fourth and only 1.4 lengths from the winner. With better luck in the running, she looks well capable of adding another win to her record at short notice.

 

 

Tauranga November 1

 

 

Had a tough wide run after jumping from the second-to-outside gate. Still fought hard down the straight and finished a close fourth in a race where the first three finishers were the first three throughout.

 

 

Tauherenikau November 1

 

 

Won the Gr.3 TAB Mile at the New Zealand Cup Carnival 12 months ago, and he might not be without a chance of defending that title next Wednesday. He came from last at the 600m and produced an eye-catching run into third, clocking the fastest closing sectionals in the race.

 

 

Woodville November 2

 

 

Didn’t get much of a run at them in the straight when finishing fifth, 2.1 lengths from the winner. That was her first time outside the placings in four starts this season, and a return to that previous form would not surprise.

 

 

Riverton November 2

 

 

Got well back before making up good ground down the outside in the straight to finish fourth in the fastest closing sectionals in the race. One to watch when he gets up over more ground.

 

 

Ellerslie November 4

 

 

Was last around the home turn and caught the eye with a big finish down the straight. She charged home into fourth, only 1.1 lengths from the winner and with the fastest last 400m in the race.

 

 

Wingatui November 4

 

 

In her first start since moving down from the North Island, she jumped from gate 13 and was stuck wide without cover but still stuck on strongly for a close second, half a length from the winner. A first win in the South Island looks close.