Favourite looking good
Trentham, G1 Al Basti Dubai Equiworld New Zealand Oaks, NZ$400,000, 2400m
Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel) has been in grand lead-up form and the only possible question mark might be the distance. However, she has proved her class and that is expected to be enough to continue her winning role and a deserved Group 1 title.
Needle And Thread (Makfi {GB}) is also a filly in good touch and pushed Amarelinha on a wet track in the G3 Sunline Vase. She loves to roll along in front and will be a threat if she pinches a break into the straight.
Cheaperthandivorce (NZ) (Savabeel) hasn’t had a lot of luck lately and the bigger Trentham track will be to her advantage while Slave To Love (NZ) (Savabeel) was below-par last time, but can atone on a better surface.
Stablemate Il Affare (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) acquitted herself well when fourth in the G1 New Zealand Derby and on that effort will be ultra-competitive and Dragon Queen (NZ) (Sweynesse) is going well and a place hope.
Brando back in business
Trentham, G2 Fusion Electrical Wellington Guineas, NZ$100,000, 1400m
The interesting runner in this lineup is Brando (NZ) (Savabeel), whose New Zealand form was outstanding but was a flop in the G3 CS Hayes S. at Flemington. At his best he will prove a handful.
He was a touch unlucky when beaten on the course by Bonham (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) in the G1 Levin Classic and she has subsequently trialled well.
Need I Say More (No Nay Never {USA}) ran 1300 metres out strongly enough last time to suggest he can cope with this trip while Cornflower Blue (NZ) (Savabeel) will be much improved for her resuming third at Ellerslie.
El Tirador (NZ) (Shocking) was fifth in that race and may be more of a force on drier ground and All Black Bourbon (NZ) (Highly Recommended) flew home for fifth at Matamata and the roomier lay-out will assist his chances.
Bay hard to roll
Trentham, G3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle S., NZ$70,000, 1600m
Coventina Bay (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) was an outstanding last-start winner of the Lisa Chittick Plate and if she replicates that performance will be the one to beat.
Sinarahma (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) has performed with credit in two Group 1 outings and the drop back in class puts her right in this and barnmate Our Hail Mary (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) has been impressive coming through the grades.
Tabata (NZ) (Savabeel) is another progressive type who looks up to this challenge while Mohaka (NZ) (Nadeem) was a game last-start fifth in the G3 Trentham S. and freshened, this trip looks ideal.
Stay with Waisake
Trentham, Listed Fasttrack New Zealand St Leger, NZ$55,000, 2600m
Waisake (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) is a strong stayer as he showed when winning the G3 Wellington Cup at his last appearance in late January. He will have residual fitness on his side and can win again.
Duplicity (NZ) (Duporth) made ground well for fifth in the Wairoa Cup and the distance will be right up his alley while Lincoln King (NZ) (Shocking) will appreciate the drop back in class from the G1 Auckland Cup.
Springsteen (NZ) (Stratum) and Beavertown Boy (NZ) (Shocking) are promising young styers capable of making an impression, and Dee And Gee (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) has proven depths of stamina and shouldn’t be underestimated.
Puysegur a top hope
Trentham, Listed Hardy Trade Company Lightning H., NZ$50,000, 1200m
Puysegur (Fastnet Rock) has fashioned a good record in a brief career, and as a Group 3 placegetter and last-start winner there’s a lot to like about her prospects.
Enzo’s Lad (Testa Rossa) is a class sprinting act and makes strong appeal despite his topweight of 60kg, while Live Drama (NZ) (Ghibellines) has earned a crack at black type after posting four South Island wins on the trot.
Romantic Lady (NZ) (Power {GB}) is a genuine mare with recent open class placings to her credit and Rock ‘N’ Affair (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) was beaten on a wet track in the G3 King’s Plate and will relish a return to better footing.
Chapada top Cup prospect
Mornington, Listed Neds Mornington Cup, $350,000, 2400m
Chapada (Bullet Train {GB}) was impressive last start in the G1 Australian Cup, finishing third behind the proven pair of Homesman (USA) (War Front {USA}) and Best Of Days (GB) (Azamour {Ire}). Prior to that, he was only beaten 1.4l by a fit and firing Paradee (Epaulette).
The Patrick Payne-trained Defibrillate (NZ) (Shocking) announced himself as a genuine Group 1 galloper in the G1 Australian Cup, finishing only 0.3l behind Chapada in sixth. He’s yet to step out beyond 2400 metres, but if he stays the trip, he’s as good a chance as any.
Exciting import Mount Popa (Ire) (Maxios {GB}) could cement himself as a genuine spring contender here third-up. Trained by Team Hawkes, the former French galloper was an impressive last-start winner.
The Brett Scott-trained Irish Flame (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) was brave last start, finishing a close second behind proven stayer Persan (Pierro). He returns to his home track here on the quick back-up and can figure in the finish with luck in running while Aussie Nugget (Ire) (Dansili {GB}) can use his light weight and soft draw to settle back in the pack and pounce off a hot speed.
Dom to fire
Mornington, Listed Quayclean Mornington Guineas, $135,000, 1600m
Perth raider Dom To Shoot (Shooting To Win) can make amends for his plain run in the G1 Caulfield Guineas. Despite the sub-par showing, he was only beaten 5.6l by Lunar Fox (Foxwedge) who was brave in the subsequent All-Star Mile.
Let’s Karaka Deel (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) resumes after finishing a brave fifth in last October’s G1 Victoria Derby. If he gets it his own way from the front expect the talented Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained colt to prove hard to catch.
Lofty Star (Zoustar) has the scope to go to a new level here, after winning a recent Sandown BM64 contest. Now fourth-up, expect the progressive colt to put in a brave on-paced performance under Beau Mertens.
Black Penn (Written Tycoon) presents here off the back of a dominant last-start maiden triumph. Trained by Greg Eurell, the lightly raced gelding looks primed for the mile while Confrontational (Redoute’s Choice) can peak over a trip he is yet to miss the money at in three attempts.
Ancestry to Sizzle
Mornington, Listed Neds Hareeba S., $200,000, 1200m
Ancestry (The Brothers War {USA}) sizzled around Moonee Valley last start, winning by 2.3l after being eased down halfway down the straight. That race looked more like a track gallop for the flashy 4-year-old and there’s no reason to suggest that he can’t win here on the quick back-up.
Sirius Suspect (Wanted) was far from disgraced in his first attempt at Group 1 level, finishing 2.4l behind proven performer Zoutori (Zoustar) in seventh. He can improve again here with fitness on his side. He loses the services of Jamie Kah through suspension, but gains the capable Patrick Moloney in what looks a suitable race.
Felicia (Unencumbered) is a proven 1200 metre performer having finished in the quinella at five of her six attempts. A recent trial romp has the Dean Binaisse-trained mare forward enough to prominent.
How Wowmantic (The Wow Signal {Ire}) was only beaten 3.3l last start at Group 1 level, finishing 14th in a fast run edition of the Oakleigh Plate. Now second-up and stepping out over a trip where she boasts an impeccable three from three record should see her prove hard to beat.
Pat’s got class
Ascot, G3 Furphy Gimcrack S., $150,000, 1100m
Pat’s Got Sass (Patronize) can make the step-up to Group company after blowing his rivals away on debut. There he pressed forward and extended further away from his rivals through the line. The 1100 metres here looks ideal for this flashy filly at start number two.
Ultimate Command (Rommel) hasn’t raced since December when finishing fourth behind fellow contestant Policiere (Safeguard). She has since trialled well and deserves respect.
The afore-mentioned Policiere will be improved for her first-up here last fortnight and expect her to push forward from barrier three and hold a position in hope of letting down with a strong burst of speed on straightening.
Pixie Chix (Rommel) has been impressive at here last two Ascot starts. Last month she won well over 1000 metres before being nosed out in a thrilling finish. She’s been up for a while, but has plenty of class.
Juveniles do battle
Ascot, Listed Amelia Park Perth S., $150,000, 1100m
Lightly raced 2-year-old Storm Whisper (Snippetson) has been most impressive at his two career starts, winning on debut and finishing a narrow second last start over 1000 metres. He looks ready to fire again and can roll across from barrier eight and dictate proceedings.
Ex Sport Man (Playing God) broke his maiden last start at Pinjarra against good company. He can go on with the job again, if he can find cover under Shun McGruddy from barrier seven.
He’s Gold (Rogano) broke his maiden here last start, winning in fine fashion under Mitchell Pateman. He does drop back from 1200 metres, but with fitness and a soft draw on his side expect him to prove hard to catch.
Oceanic Rider (Slater) was commendable on debut, finishing second behind what looks to be a nice type. With raceday experience on his side, he can put in an improved effort stepping up in class.
Temple to dig deep
Ascot, Listed Seacorp Grandstand Cup, $100,000, 1500m
Western Temple (Dream Ahead {USA}) can make it back-to-back victories here when he steps out third-up. The ever consistent 7-year-old has finished in the money at 27 of his 41 career starts and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Dig Deep (Deep Field) has the ability to bounce back here after missing the placings at his last two starts. The only concern is that he’s been in work for a long time.
Yeah Dardy (Demerit) presents here third-up and ready to win after stringing together two commendable efforts. The capable 7-year-old was unplaced at his last attempt over 1500 metres. However, he wasn’t far away in fifth and with luck from the wide draw can measure up.
Samizdat (Not A Single Doubt) was a Listed winner two starts back, but has since failed to let down. He looks suited stepping out over 1500 metres here and will appreciate a genuine tempo.
