Rocket to take off
Ellerslie, G1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby, NZ$1 million, 2400m
Rocket Spade (Fastnet Rock) has outstanding form credentials with Group 2 victories in the Auckland and Avondale Guineas from his last three outings. In between times, he ran second against older opposition when giving the winner 8kg.
The filly Tokorangi (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) finally enjoyed some luck in the running in the G2 Waikato Guineas and showed her true colours with a strong win. She looks well-equipped to run this trip as does Montre Moi (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}).
He roared home for third in the R. Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic and again came from a mile back for fourth in the Waikato Guineas so has to be respected. Jason Belltree (NZ) (Ferlax {NZ}) has been genuine in his lead-up racing and a definite place hope.
Milford (NZ) (Savabeel) and Lord Ardmore (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) have the form and pedigree to suggest 2400 metres will suit them. Frontman (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) and Tannahill (NZ) (Star Witness) are another capable pair and chances at longer odds.
Entriviere way to go
Ellerslie, G3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate, NZ$100,000, 1200m
Entriviere (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) is a gifted mare with an impressive record, four wins from five starts, and with 54kg her brilliance will be hard to contain.
Spring Heat (More Than Ready {USA}) hasn’t raced since her runner-up finish in the G1 Telegraph and is most effective with her races spaced while Mascarpone (Shooting To Win) is an obvious contender after his run for third in the G1 BCD Sprint.
Pretty To Sea (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) is a multiple Group placegetter and looks well-placed in the handicap to go close again. Off the minimum, an in-form Festivity (I Am Invincible) and a fresh Bavella (Snitzel) appeal as other serious contenders.
Amarelinha the one
Ellerslie, G3 McKee Family Sunline Vase, NZ$70,000, 2100m
Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel) is a rare talent who, once into the clear, put her rivals to the sword in a matter of strides in the G2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic. Only bad luck looks likely to stop her in this.
Slave To Love (NZ) (Savabeel) and Needle And Thread (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) were minor placegetters in that race and are sure to again be competitive while Spine Tingle (NZ) (Super Easy {NZ}) won the Listed Oaks Prelude so well she’s hard to ignore.
Dragon Queen (NZ) (Sweynesse) was sound in the R. Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic and not the worst on the effort and another for longer odds might be Samina Bibi (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}), who has been racing as though the extra distance will suit her.
Explosive run expected
Ellerslie, Listed Fasttrack Mufhasa S., NZ$67,000, 1300m
Explosively (NZ) (Sweynesse) is a smart type who finished determinedly to run second in the G3 Almanzor Trophy. He was beaten by Need I Say More (No Nay Never {USA}) and the extra trip here may reverse that result.
El Tirador (NZ) (Shocking) has been impressive winning his last two and can cope with a step-up in class and Cornflower Blue (NZ) (Savabeel) is a quality filly. She hasn’t raced since third in the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas and has raced well fresh in the past.
Babylon Berlin (All Too Hard) has the advantage of recent racing as an easy last-start winner and will be a threat if she’s left alone in front. Opalescence (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) can’t be taken lightly either with her G3 Bonecrusher S. victory a sound form reference.
Tiger to roar
Canberra, G3 John McGrath Auto Black Opal S., $250,000, 1200m
Rocket Tiger (Cluster) has measured up in good company during a brief career with a Randwick victory on Boxing Day to his credit and a last-start second in the G2 Silver Slipper S. so this looks well within his range.
Bourbon Flyer (Flying Artie) was a smart debut winner on the Kensington track and should be further improved with that experience. Akihiro (Maurice {Jpn}) was fifth when resuming and can be expected to strip fitter for this test.
Construct (I Am Invincible) has yet to win, but he has been racing well in strong company and was a last-start seventh, and only 4l off the winner, in the G1 Blue Diamond S. That is a performance that puts him right in the finish here.
Kalashnikov (Capitalist) showed his true colours last time out and can go on with the good work and gives trainers Peter and Paul Snowden a strong hand in the race.
Academy looks well-placed
Canberra, Listed Workwear National Sprint, $150,000, 1400m
Academy (Shamus Award) is a smart and progressive sprinter in good form, as evidenced by his last-start second at Randwick. He drops 2.5kg and has also drawn well.
Brave Song (Your Song) has three consecutive stakes placings to his credit and a top chance to add to that haul here while Just Thinkin’ (So You Think {NZ}) is fresh and is a past first-up winner to give serious consideration to.
Brave Song’s stablemate Poetic Charmer (Your Song) is racing well and among the leading hopes in an even line-up. Handle The Truth (Star Witness) has the home track advantage, which he has previously used to a winning advantage four times and was a sound last-start third at Rosehill.
Filly in right form
Ascot, Listed Supremacy S., $100,000, 1000m
Heavenly Waters (Headwater) is a sharp filly and her form speaks for itself after consecutive runner-up finishes, the latest of them when narrowly tipped out in the R. Listed Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic.
Policiere (Safeguard) looked good in her first campaign netting a brace of wins and has had a trial to fit her for her return, as has the undefeated Femme Fatale (Shooting To Win).
Pixie Chix (Rommel) has the benefit of recent racing and was an easy winner on the course last time out at the expense of race rival Featherweight (Snippetson), while Spin The Knife (Snippetson) won well enough on debut to consider again.
