Yearning for more
Te Rapa, G2 Cal Isuzu S., NZ$100,000, 1600m
Yearn (NZ) (Savabeel) won the G2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. in fine style at her last appearance and there’s no reason to think she can’t double up here.
The 6-year-old was only second-up when successful at Pukekohe so she is still on an upward plane and the mile will suit her ideally. She was stakes placed at the trip last preparation and will take some holding out.
Queen Of Diamonds (NZ) (Savabeel) looks a sharp improver as she was fifth on her seasonal reappearance behind Yearn in the Breeders’ S. The lightly-tried 4-year-old has showed a propensity to strike form early and appeals as a strong chance.
Pinmedown (NZ) (Pins) was a dual Group winner last season and there was a sign at her last appearance that she is close to her best again. She hit the line strongly when fourth in the G2 Eagle Technology S.
Pinmedown (NZ)
Contessa Vanessa (NZ) (Bullbars) was runner-up in an open handicap last time out and a similar performance would give her a place chance at worst again while Livin’ On A Prayer (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) has been freshened since last racing and has previously acted well off a break.
Inscription (NZ) (Cape Blanco {Ire}) caught the eye with her storming late finish for fifth at her most recent appearance and Guillada (NZ) (Guillotine {NZ}) is a progressive type and a last-start win in a lower grade suggested she can make a good first off a step up in grade.
In-form stayer strong chance
Te Rapa, G3, Skycity Hamilton Waikato Cup, NZ$100,000, 2400m
In A Twinkling (Fastnet Rock) won the G3 Counties Cup last time out in convincing fashion, courtesy of an excellent front-running ride by Opie Bosson.
Runner-up last season in the G1 New Zealand Derby and fifth in the G1 Australian Derby, he is a quality stayer and will take some beating here in his current form.
Vin De Dance (NZ) (Roc De Cambes {NZ}) is a former Derby winner and with three runs under his belt he should be ready to give a sight. The distance will be ideal and he’s worth one more chance while Strolling Vagabond (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) is nothing if not genuine.
She is rarely far from the action and appeals as a strong place hope again and expect improvement from Excalibur (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}). He didn’t have the best of runs when fifth last time out under 60.5kg and gets significant weight relief.
Stamina is the trump card of last-start G3 New Zealand Cup placegetter Gorbachev (NZ) (Gorky Park {NZ}) while Blue Breeze (NZ) (Bullbars) was below par during a brief Australian campaign, but there was enough in his effort for sixth in the Counties Cup to indicate he was getting back to his best.
Blue Breeze (NZ)
Jump on Julius
Te Rapa, G3 J Swap Contractors Sprint, NZ$70,000 1400m
Julius (NZ) (Swiss Ace) is a class act who’s had his injury problems and his effort to finish fourth off a year’s break in the Listed Counties Bowl was highly commendable.
It’s reasonable to expect he would have derived significant improvement from the outing and he has an excellent second-up record – three wins and a placing.
Scott Base (NZ) (Dalghar {Fr}) is another to have had his problems and his run for third at Awapuni off a lengthy spell was solid. He’s another who would have derived benefit from a preparatory run and can be a major player.
Pierina (NZ) (Savabeel) is a progressive mare and a last-start win in a lower grade showed she’s ready for the step up to black type company while stablemate Campari (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) has improved with each run this time around and is a solid chance to collect a cut of the prize.
Mongolian Marshal (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}) has showed his best form over ground, but he’s fresh and trialled well enough to suggest he could be a place hope.
Stay with Aalaalune
Awapuni, Lawnmaster G3 Eulogy S., NZ$70,000, 1600m
Aalaalune (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) was Group 1 placed last season and she finally posted an overdue maiden success at the last time of asking.
She’s a quality filly and with that confidence-boosting first success to her credit, she promises to hold her form. The roomy Awapuni track will also be in her favour.
Aalaalune (NZ)
Belle Plaisir (NZ) (Proisir) has done nothing wrong in a short career with two wins from four appearances. She did well to take fourth last time out and the step up to a mile will suit her.
Lilikoi (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) came from last to grab second on this course when resuming and with the benefit of that outing and a step up in trip she is a live chance while Manchu (Redoute’s Choice) is another hot prospect in an even line-up.
She has been racing well against older opposition so the return to age group company is a plus for her and Showbeel (NZ) (Savabeel) was a smart last-start maiden winner and this doesn’t represent a major jump in class.
Taxagano gets nod
Ascot, Listed GA Towton Cup, $100,000, 2200m
The ultra-consistent Taxagano (Rogano) looks the way to go here in his current patch of form. He was second last time out behind Missile Launch (Smart Missile), who will be hard to beat again despite being worse off at the weights.
Taxagano
Spiritual Warrior (Blackfriars) is another to seriously consider and he’s only been beaten once at this distance.
Forceful (Hard Spun {USA}) has picked up a cheque in each of his last four outings and a step up in trip should suit him while Dark Musket (Musket) might be the best of the others.
