Favourite hard to roll
Riccarton, G1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas, NZ$500,000, 1600m
Catalyst (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) has been in dynamic form in the lead-up and he’s certainly the horse to beat again.
He has reeled off three straight wins this preparation with a minimum of effort and it’s doubtful if any of his rivals can improve enough to give him a run for his money.
Sherwood Forest (Fastnet Rock) has progressed well from his maiden win three runs back and following a fifth in the G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas was again a winner in the G3 War Decree S. He looks a definite contender for second money.
Harlech (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) has long been rated by trainers Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard and it was easy to see why at Te Rapa where he was an easy winner of the G2 Sarten Memorial while Run To Perfection (Sepoy) didn’t have the best of runs when runner-up and Riccarton will suit him.
Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) chased Catalyst all the way at Hastings and while he never looked like catching him, is a place prospect again and Aotea Lad (NZ) (Savabeel) had a torrid run last time out and with better luck in the running is a player for a minor share.
Force with her
Riccarton, Listed Yesberg Insurance Pegasus S., NZ$50,000, 1000m
Wekaforce (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) is racing well and was a game winner on the course last time out. She’s up in class, but will appreciate dropping 4.5kg down the handicap.
Sensei as a yearling
Don Carlo (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) is a proven fresh performer and has won both of his trials leading into this while Pippi Rea (NZ) (Pins) is back from a break and loves this track. He’s also won twice when produced off a break in the past.
Signify (NZ) (Perfectly Ready) is proven in better fields than this, but will face a task with 60kg and a better prospect may be Sensei (Dream Ahead {USA}), who has an imposing four first-up victories on his record.
Import well placed
Riccarton, Listed Redwood Metropolitan Trophy, NZ$70,000, 2500m
Al Haram (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) looks to have deep reserves of stamina as he showed when grinding out a tough win at Ashburton and drops 1kg here.
Dee And Gee (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) is another proven stayer who will relish this trip as will Felaar (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}) who will also be better served by a firmer surface than he struck at Te Rapa.
King Of The Dance (Animal Kingdom {USA}) is in good touch and he certainly looks in the mix again while Duplicity (Duporth) goes well here and his last-start second at Awapuni showed he’s peaking at the right time.
Winning form, good form
Te Rapa, Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint, NZ$50,000, 1200m
Group 1 performer Dawn Patrol (NZ) (Dawn Approach {Ire}) was a Group 3 winner last time out at Rotorua so this company holds no fears for him.
Ferrando (NZ) (Fast ‘N’ Famous) is another who has performed at the top level and his first-up record is excellent. All he requires is a firm track to show his best.
Media Sensation (I Am Invincible) hasn’t won since she claimed the G1 NZ 1000 Guineas a year ago, but has won a recent trial and Lucyinrio (NZ) (Captain Rio {GB}) was beaten by a heavy track last time out and better ground gives her a chance to bounce back.
Gatting way to go
Ascot, G2 Waroa Lee Steere S., $250,000, 1400m
Gatting (Hard Spun {USA}) is back from his Melbourne spring carnival exploits which saw him net the G1 Makybe Diva S. and finish fifth in the G1 Underwood S. That form should see him go very close in this.
Arcadia Prince (Pierro) has been off the scene for nearly a year, but he has won a lead-up trial and has won two of his four first-up attempts.
The Velvet King (Universal Ruler) is a stablemate of Gatting and as a last-start winner of the G3 Northerly S. gives trainer Darren McAuliffe a powerful hand.
Achernar Star (Gingerbread Man) and Great Shot (Magnus) were second and third respectively in that race so they have obvious place prospects again.
Missile on target
Ascot, Listed Ballpoint Construction Fairetha S., $100,000, 1400m
Jericho Missile (Smart Missile) won the Listed Belgravia S. at his most recent appearance so he looks the logical way to go.
Dig Deep (Deep Field) is lightly-tried and his last-start third in the Belgravia puts him right in the fight while Red Can Man (Gingerbread Man) is racing soundly and not to be taken lightly.
Power And Passion (War Front {USA}) has looked well above average in a brief career and looks capable of making his mark at black type level, as does Old Mick (Sessions), who broke his maiden in good style.
Ripper of a chance
Doomben, Listed TAB Keith Noud Quality, $125,000, 1200m
I’m A Rippa (I Am Invincible) is the class act in the field and he’s trialled well for this and his fresh form is good.
I'm A Rippa as a yearling
Trainer Tony Gollan holds a strong hand with Outback Barbie (Spirit Of Boom) also in the field and the mare has also been in good touch at the trials.
In an open affair, Chapter And Verse (Rothesay) looms as a threat and he too has a couple of first-up victories on his CV while Divine Dice (Casino Prince) measured up well in good company last preparation and has each way appeal.
