Strong stable hand
Trentham, G1 Rydges Wellington Captain Cook S., NZ$200,000, 1600m
Roger James and Robert Wellwood may hold the key to the outcome with the in-form duo of Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) and Hypnos (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) engaged.
They have both collected stakes victories from their last two appearances and the roomy course will be ideal for the pair. The stablemates are to split, but Concert Hall may have a slight edge as a course and distance winner.
Rock On Wood (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) just got home at Awapuni and the step up to a mile will be in his favour. As the top-rated horse he is suited to weight-for-age and has performed well on this course in strong company.
Aimee’s Jewel (NZ) (Proisir) has impressed in her brief career and while this is a much tougher assignment, she has improved with each of her five runs. She is also proven on rain-affected going.
The 8-year-old Shadows Cast (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) is proven at this level and showed enough when third last time out to suggest he can still be competitive.
Beefeater (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) has finished runner-up in both of his starts this preparation and has a liking for Trentham where he has twice been successful at this trip.
Stormy stands out
Trentham, G2 Pete’s Joinery, Precise Design & Build Wakefield Challenge S., NZ$100,000, 1100m
Stormy (NZ) (Telperion) was posted three wide on debut at Awapuni and still managed to overcome the odds to score well. He has drawn close to the fence and with a more comfortable run will take some beating.
Brazen Blue (Brazen Beau) was runner-up on that occasion so looms as a leading chance again and Silky Red Fox (Foxwedge) steamed home to place at Otaki last time out and the bigger track will suit him.
Taoiseach (NZ) (Highly Recommended) is on debut and has a trial win to his credit and from a stable that has a smart record with its first-up performers.
Fonsalette (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) was fifth at Otaki and improved track conditions can see her more competitive Cherokee Warrior (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) can be forgiven a most recent failure as he lost a plate when bumped in the straight.
Colt has right credentials
Ellerslie, G3 Mitchell Family Bonecrusher S., NZ$70,000, 1400m
Jason Belltree (NZ) (Ferlax) has made a top start to his career with two wins and a placing from three appearances. He has performed on all manner of tracks and now looks in line for Group honours.
Explosively (NZ) (Sweynesse) was an impressive debut winner at Te Rapa where he made all the running before scooting clear. The extra trip should be no problem and he looms as a major player.
Milford (NZ) (Savabeel) has yet to win a race, but is a promising colt who hasn’t had all favours in either of his starts while Sophistical (Hinchinbrook) won by promotion last time out and on that performance rates a hope.
Devotioninmotion (NZ) (Proisir) was relegated from first on that occasion for the second time in her three-start career so couldn’t be begrudged a victory and rates highly. Moana (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) is already stakes placed and a recent trial win showed she was ready to perform well on her return.
Genuine stayer tipped
Pakenham, Listed Pakenham Cup, $300,000, 2500m
Brimham Rocks (GB) (Fastnet Rock) is in solid form having placed over this trip two runs back in the G3 Hotham H. and followed up with another top effort for second in the G2 Sandown Classic.
Princess Jenni (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}) won the G3 Geelong Cup in style and hasn’t raced since, but is a class act and her claims are hard to ignore. Haky (Ire) (Muhtathir {GB}) missed out in the G3 Queen Elizabeth S., but his prior effort for third in the Geelong Cup was sound.
Knight’s Order (Ire) (So You Think {NZ}) won the Listed Tatts Cup before a fourth at Flemington and drops 5kg here and Tralee Rose (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) has looked good with a hat-trick of wins in the lower grades so is in the right form for a step up in class.
Creedence (Helmet) is another racing well to seriously consider and Scarlet Dream (Sebring) hasn’t won for a while, but has been going well enough and the distance won’t be an issue for her.
