Top mare to strike again
Te Aroha, G1 Fiber Fresh NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ S., NZ$200,000, 1600m
Avantage (Fastnet Rock) has enjoyed an outstanding preparation with four Group 1 victories and from a handy gate another beckons the Te Akau mare.
She will be able to take up a handy spot and that might be enough to give her the edge on Levante (NZ) (Proisir), who gets back in her races and always needs an ounce of luck, although her talent is undeniable.
Coventina Bay (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) is in grand touch and on a decent surface a major hope, while Siracusa (NZ) (Sebring) caught the eye when she flashed home late for second in the G2 Japan Trophy and the long straight at Te Aroha will be ideal for her.
Familia (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) is reliable and she’s had a quiet trial since last racing and has the gate speed to make good use of an inside gate.
Travelling Light (NZ) (El Roca) is racing well with a Group 1 placing at Otaki two runs back. She was a close fourth in the Japan Trophy and a similar performance from her handy draw will see her challenge for a slice of this prize.
Atishu filly to beat
Riccarton, Listed NZB Airfreight S., NZ$50,000, 1600m
Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) has always looked a filly of quality and her last two victories confirm that and she now looks set for a black-type success. The northern visitor will relish the step up to a mile and will take some beating.
The Gift (NZ) (Power {GB}) was a smart last-start winner of the Listed NZB Insurance S. and on that effort will be a player again and Showemhowitsdone (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) is genuine and a step up in trip will be in her favour.
Lelawala (NZ) (Niagara) was a solid second behind Atishu last time out and deserves respect on that performance while Larpower’s (NZ) (Power {GB}) overall form is sound. Ocean Point (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) was stakes placed last time out and a chance at the minors again.
Belle in grand form
Riccarton, Listed Christchurch Casino Easter Cup, NZ$50,000, 1600m
Belle Fascino (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) is in a rare patch of form with four wins from her last five starts and she’s surely going to prove a handful in this. Her record on the track is also impressive with five victories.
Visitor William Wallace (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) is a gifted type and has won first-up in the past and both Lightning Jack (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) and Kilowatt (NZ) (Shocking) won at their last appearances well enough to give them strong chances again.
Camino Rocoso (NZ) (Shocking) can be hard to follow, but at his best more than capable of going close while Rock Sensation (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) is a progressive type and capable of making his presence felt in this company.
The Western wonder
Ascot, G2 Schwepps W.A.T.C Derby, $400,000, 2400m
Western Empire (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) is shooting for four on the trot when he steps out in this 3-year-old feature. Trained by Grant and Alana Williams the Bob Peters-owned gelding has continued to build an imposing record having accounted for his opposition by a combined margin of 9.3l during his current win streak. From barrier 10 William Pike can cross and dictate proceedings in what looks his mount's to lose.
Stablemate Reliable Star (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) was luckless last start in the G2 WA Oaks, finding herself caught wide the trip. She’s drawn to affect in barrier four and can score a lovely box seat run.
The Simon Miller-trained Outback Jack (Outreach) was impressive last start, closing into second behind Western Empire. There he finished only 0.8l behind the winner and now gets an extra 200 metres. Drawn in barrier five he can push forward under Joseph Azzopardi and create a genuine staying contest.
Temptacion (All Too Hard) peaked on her run after looking the winner in the concluding stages of the G2 WA Oaks. This is her sixth run for the preparation, but she presents here rock hard fit and ready to fire.
Victorians eye SA pie
Morphettville, Listed Port Adelaide Guineas, $107,250, 1800m
Victorian raider Chica Fuerte (Hinchinbrook) was brave winning the G3 Alexandra S. at Moonee Valley last start. There she was forced to work in attempt to cross and continued to find the line despite being challenged in the straight. She’s proven beyond a mile and looks set to relish stepping out over 1800 metres here fourth-up.
Let’s Karaka Deel (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) was superb on resumption, holding on to finish second behind highly rated WA galloper Dom To Shoot (Shooting To Win) who had fitness on his side. Now second-up and stepping out in trip expect this Group 1-performed colt to show his class, rolling forward and making this a genuine middle-distance test.
Ecumenical (Zebedee {GB}) made amends for her lacklustre fresh showing last start, accounting for a field of capable rivals in the Listed Clare Lindop S. The Mick Huxtable-trained filly is a proven Group 1 performer having finished fourth in last year’s G1 Thousand Guineas. Here she maps to get every chance from barrier one, box seating and settling in behind her main rivals Chica Fuerte and Let’s Karaka Deel.
Royal Mile (Danerich) is shooting for three consecutive but will need to go to a new level coming through a BM70 event while Casino Seventeen (Casino Prince) takes on far more credentialled rivals after winning her past two at BM68 level.
Stablemates do battle
Caulfield, Listed Lamaro’s Hotel Galilee Series Final, $150,000, 2400m
The Cindy Alderson-trained Liqueuro (Fiorente {NZ}) looks an exciting staying prospect, after taking out a high rating edition of the St Leger Trial at Bendigo. Leading hoop Jye McNeil sticks for this third-up assignment and will give the talented gelding every chance from barrier six.
Liqueuro
Stablemate Reuber (Dissident) presents as the main danger, despite finishing 7.7l behind Liqueuro last start. Barrier 10 presents some challenges, but he has the talent and experience to turn the tables with luck in running.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Through Irish Eyes (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) can measure up after breaking his maiden in fine fashion last start, while Olivia’s Game (Myboycharlie {Ire}) is capable of bridging the 7l gap between herself and Liqueuro at their last meeting.
