Cromwell November 28

 

 

Ran home strongly from the back of the field to finish fourth, clocking the fastest last 800m and 600m. A first South Island victory looks close.

 

 

Ellerslie November 29

 

 

This was only the third start of his career, and his first appearance since April 2024. Taking on a strong Rating 75 sprint field, he caught the eye with a strong-finishing fourth, crossing the line only 1.4 lengths behind the smart winner Sweynesday.

 

 

Wanganui November 29

 

 

This filly burst on to the radar with a four-length debut victory at Taupo in September, and don’t drop her yet. She struggled against Well Written in the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes second-up, but this effort in the Fillies’ Stakes – still only the third start of her career – had merit. On a day that tended to favour horses coming from behind, she led and fought well for a close fifth. She can make a black-type impact this season.

 

 

Otaki November 30

 

 

Dropping back to 1600m after a last-start Ellerslie victory at 2100m, he launched a big finish from second-last and came up only a nose short of the winner Electron. He looks ready to win again when he gets back up over more ground.

 

 

Cromwell November 30

 

 

He gets a zero in his form line from his 10th placing here, but he was badly blocked for most of the straight. He finally got into clear air far too late, with less than 100m remaining. He would have finished much closer with better luck.