Mighty mare headline act
Te Rapa, G1 Herbie Dyke S., NZ$400,000, 2000m
It is all but impossible to go past the outstanding mare Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) as she chases yet another Group 1 victory. She collected her 13th last time out when first-up in the Thorndon Mile and should be improved for that outing.
Sinarahma (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) was runner-up at Trentham where she blew the start and did well to finish so close. With an even getaway, she looks likely to offer most resistance to the favourite.
Tiptronic (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) is a hardy and genuine performer who won this race last year and showed he was in good form for his title defence with a last-start victory in the Karaka Cup. Deerfield (NZ) (Falkirk {NZ}) is honest but 2000 metres is the query.
The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) is a quality stayer and has fresh form to back his claims, although it won’t be an easy task at weight-for-age while Beauden (NZ) (Bullbars) has won his last two by wide margins so has race fitness on his side.
Charles Road (Myboycharlie {Ire}) was a handy sixth in the G1 Zabeel Classic before tailing the field home in the G3 City of Auckland Cup, in which he lost a plate so had some excuse. On The Rocks (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) is hard to follow, but caught in the right mood can give a sight.
High-class clash
Te Rapa, G1 BCD Group Sprint, NZ$200,000, 1400m
This looms as a terrific contest with Avantage (Fastnet Rock) in fine touch following her G1 Telegraph victory and ready to take on another quality mare in Levante (NZ) (Proisir).
The former has the advantage of being able to take up a handy spot in running, but won’t be helped by the outside stall, while Levante will get back and with a clear run looks the big threat.
As the G1 Tarzino Trophy winner, Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) is proven at the highest level and he will drop 4kg in weight after lumping 63kg to a last-start open handicap win.
Travelling Light (NZ) (El Roca) was below par when resuming, but is a talented individual and on her best form can be a player while Its Destinys Child (NZ) (Castledale {Ire}) is a smart sprinter who has been undone by wide gates at her last two appearances.
Julius (NZ) (Swiss Ace) was runner-up in the G1 Railway and then beaten by a horror gate in the G3 Concorde H. He has drawn a better barrier this time.
Money back beckons
Te Rapa, G2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic, NZ$100,000, 2000m
Te Akau has an outstanding opportunity to win its sponsored race with Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel) a leading prospect. She found Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) too good last time out, but back to her own sex will take some stopping.
Needle And Thread (Makfi {GB}) was a runaway winner of the G2 Royal S. on New Year’s Day and she seems sure to give a good sight again and Il Affare (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) possesses a sterling finish that will be well-suited to 2000 metres.
Aegon (NZ) (inside) and Amarelinha (NZ) (outside)
Sweet Anna (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) was fourth in the G3 Desert Gold S. after being tightened for room in the straight. She also suffered interference the start before when sixth in the Royal S. so is due a change of fortune.
Slave To Love (NZ) (Savabeel) was an impressive winner in the lower grades last time out and might be the best upset hope. Samina Bibi (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) is bred for this trip and she did make late ground over a mile to finish close-up in the G3 Desert Gold S.
Last-start eye-catcher
Te Rapa, G2 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas, NZ$100,000, 2000m
Montre Moi (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) boomed home late for third in the R. Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic and an effort that suggested he is going to be a major player over an extra 400 metres.
Perfect Scenario’s (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) run for fifth was a solid performance to draw attention to his chances here and Tannahill (NZ) (Star Witness) was racing well before he was run off by a riderless horse in the Karaka Million and deserves another chance.
Montre Moi (NZ) | Image courtesy of Race Images
Tokorangi (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) hasn’t had the best of luck in a number of stakes events and the step up in trip may turn her fortunes around. With two runs under her belt since a short break she should be at peak fitness.
Pierro Rosso (Pierro) was a strong second over ground last time out and worth a look on an each-way basis, as is the well-related Cheaperthandivorce (NZ) (Savabeel), a daughter of the Group 1 winner Boundless (NZ) (Van Nistelrooy {USA}).
Plenty at stake for Peters
Ascot, Listed Challenge S., $100,000, 1500m
Western Empire (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) finally broke his maiden last month, after putting in three strong showings at Group and Listed level during the Ascot carnival.
Now second-up and rising sharply to 1500 metres, he can prove to owner Bob Peters that he is worthy of reuniting with William Pike in Melbourne for a tilt at next fortnight’s G1 Australian Guineas.
Stablemate Magical Dream (Dream Ahead) prevailed first-up and will be improved stepping out in distance. She has to contend with barrier 10, but will be hitting the line hard late.
Kissonallforcheeks (Written Tycoon) had Western Empire’s measure in the Listed Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic last November and resumed the other week with a dominant victory over 1100 metres. The step up in trip will only benefit her but the wide draw, barrier 11, could see Brad Parnham posted wide without cover.
The Darren McAuliffe-trained Solaia (Toronado {Ire}) split Kissonallforcheeks and Western Empire in the Listed Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic and has since put in two solid performances dropping back in class.
Black type beckons
Ascot, Listed Cyril Flower S., $100,000, 1200m
The ever-consistent Carocapo (Husson {Arg}) has performed well without winning this time in. He finds weaker opposition here after finishing within 1l of talented types Indian Pacific (Zoustar), Flirtini (Artie Schiller {USA}) and Samizdat (Not A Single Doubt).
Mervyn (Henry Hughes {USA}) set a strong gallop last-start in the Listed Scenic Blast S. and still managed to stick on to finish 2l behind Samizdat. The aforementioned Carocapo finished 0.8l ahead of him in fourth and they again look hard to split.
Saracino (Per Incato {USA}) improved stepping up to 1200 metres last start and finished the better of Carocapo and Mervyn in third. He doesn’t win out of turn though, with only four triumphs from 41 starts.
Platoon (Playing God) is the class runner, but drops back sharply in trip after finishing fifth in the Perth Cup over 2400 metres. Look for him to be hitting the line late.
