Cover image courtesy of Peter Rubery at Race Images Palmerston North
Belle of ball again
Trentham, G1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile, NZ$200,000, 1600m
Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) is the undoubted class act of this lineup and she is sure to take a power of beating under the conditions of the race. She hasn’t raced since finishing third in the G1 Mackinnon S., but a trial should have her forward enough to collect another title.
Rock On Wood (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) has the benefit of recent racing and won the G1 Captain Cook S. on the course two runs back. He was unlucky when fourth after being blocked for room in the straight in the G1 Zabeel Classic.
Watch: Melody Belle (NZ) trial
Sinarahma (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) was fifth in the G3 Anniversary H. after she blew the start and with a better beginning can be more competitive. She was also a solid fourth in the G2 Cal Isuzu S. two runs back and a major player for multiples.
The Mitigator (Master Of Design) won this last year, but his lead-up form this time leaves a lot to be desired. Shadows Cast (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) may not be the force he used to be, but doesn’t meet the strongest field here and looms as a genuine place chance.
Tobilicious (NZ) (Natural Destiny) was outpaced in the G1 Telegraph and the step up in trip may see him an outside place prospect. Communique (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) is up in grade, but this is far from a stellar lineup.
Ideal Cup preparation
Trentham, G3 NZ Campus of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup, NZ$250,000, 3200m
Waisake (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) has been given the perfect preparation by trainer Allan Sharrock and was an outstanding last-start winner over 2200 metres. The extra trip won’t worry him, he drops 6kg and senior rider Sam Collett takes the reins.
Dragon Storm (NZ) (Shocking) is proven at the distance having won the G3 New Zealand Cup and is sure to be improved for his only subsequent outing while Robusto (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) was third in the G3 City of Auckland Cup and a serious contender again.
The Good Fight (High Chaparral {Ire}) boxed on well for third in the Listed Marton Cup and has each-way prospects while stablemate Swords Drawn (Camelot {GB}) didn’t have much luck at his last appearance and shapes as an ideal two-mile contender.
Dee And Gee (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) is a proven two-mile performer and comes here in good form following a last-start success in the Waikouaiti Cup.
Te Akau Caliburn (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) has a sense of timing about him after an improved effort at his most recent appearance and the trip looks right up his alley.
Filly in fine fettle
Trentham, G3 New Zealand Bloodstock Desert Gold S., NZ$70,000, 1600m
Fleetwood Maca (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) was a sound second two runs back in the G2 Eight Carat Classic and then did well to finish seventh in the G2 Royal S. after she was caught in tight quarters and blundered badly. This looks her race.
Fleetwood Maca (NZ) (purple silks) winning at Ellerslie
Key (Exceed And Excel) is a genuine filly and was held up before she rushed home late for fourth in the G3 Eulogy S. and from a handy gate should be right in this.
Force Of Will (NZ) (Power {GB}) is making her black-type debut and in the right form for the challenge after two wins on the bounce and Sweet Anna (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) is another leading hope. She was sixth in the Royal S. after a chequered passage.
Love For All Of Us (Love Conquers All) has made a bright start to her career and looks capable of further improvement as does Samina Bibi (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}). She had a tough run when beaten in the Eulogy and should get a sweeter trip in this.
Belle in pole position
Riccarton, Listed Speights Timaru H., NZ$50,000, 1400m
Belle Fascino (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) won well enough at her most recent appearance to suggest she can make it two in a row. He Kin Fly (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) has been freshened and a recent trial win showed he’s ready to return.
Meara Mary (NZ) (Echoes Of Heaven) is racing consistently and with a little luck from a tricky gate can make her presence felt again.
Beneficial (NZ) (Highly Recommended) is also in good touch and while she doesn’t win that often is a strong place prospect. All About Magic (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) failed last-start on a wet track and looks an outside hope on better footing.
Gem of a chance
Sunshine Coast, Listed Coastline BMW M4 Coupe Sunshine Coast Cup, $125,000, 1400m
Emerald Kingdom (Bryannbo’s Gift) has been racing consistently and was runner-up in the Listed Lough Neagh S. and placed in The Buffering. He has drawn well and is a past course and distance winner.
Splendoronthegrass (So You Think {NZ}) has been going well in the lower grades and has drawn a handy enough gate to make an impression while Victory Eight (NZ) (Nadeem) was third when resuming and has been a second-up winner in the past.
Prometheus (Snitzel) is unbeaten on the course and his most recent effort for second puts him in the frame. Juventus (Hard Spun {USA}) was runner-up at Randwick last time out and with 3kg less he appeals as an each way chance at odds.
Spice a hot prospect
Ascot, Listed Scenic Blast S., $100,000, 1200m
Essential Spice (Gingerbread Man) has been sound at her last two appearances, including a most recent effort for third in the Listed Miss Andretti S.
She was placed behind winner Flirtini (Artie Schiller {USA}) and Carocapo (Husson {Arg}) and they are both serious chances again, but Essential Spice does meet them better at the weights this time.
Guns Of Navarrone (War Chant {USA}) returns from a break in this and has proved effective off a break before while Saracino (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) was unplaced off a wide gate in the Miss Andretti and can perform a lot better here from the inside barrier.
