Parry proven performer
Rosehill, Listed XXXX Winter Cup, $150,000, 2400m
Parry Sound (Pierro) is a proven mile and a-half performer who looks a fantastic chance here with only 54kgs on his back.
The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding draws in barrier four and maps to get an economical run in transit under Jason Collett.
Lightly raced 6-year-old Knights Order (So You Think {NZ}) presents here third-up after two sound performances.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained gelding is proven at this trip and will have stripped fitter for his two runs over 2000 metres this time in.
Expect Tim Clark to go straight to the front and take up the running from barrier two.
Stockman (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) like the vast majority of his rivals hasn’t won for some time now. However, this race is shaping up to be the perfect opportunity for him to break through despite drawing barrier 16.
OTI galloper Inverloch (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) proved his liking for all surfaces when winning the Listed Wagga Gold Cup last start. He will again press forward but looks up against it here with 60kgs on his back and stepping right out in trip.
Girl a class operator
Belmont, Listed Raconteur S., $100,000, 1400m
The Bob Peters-owned Graceful Girl (Nicconi) looks a class operator and is yet to miss the money in six career starts to date. While this is a step up in class, she looks another progressive talent who can measure up to a high level.
Solaia (Toronado {Ire}) hasn’t put a foot wrong yet, having finished right around the mark in the majority of her 14 career starts.
She’s a high-class filly but will be looking for further than what is on offer here.
Billy Ain’t Silly (I’m All The Talk) drops back from a mile after winning by 2.3l last fortnight.
He’s been up for some time now but can control the race out in front and use his fitness to affect, while Written Matter (Written Tycoon) will be out to maintain an undefeated start to his career.
Iffshecan impressive
Wanganui, Listed John Turkington Forestry Ltd Castletown S., NZ$50,000, 1200m
Iffshecan (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) was an impressive debut winner at Matamata last month.
The Cody Cole-trained filly sticks to 1200 metres and looks set to figure prominently again from barrier four.
Danger Strykes (NZ) (Astern) resumes for the Tony Pike stable after finishing third over 1000 metres on debut back in February.
She draws superbly in barrier three and is capable of taking up a prominent position in this field of 10.
Iffshecan (NZ) | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright at Race Images
Taoiseach (NZ) (Highly Recommended) finished third on debut last December and hasn’t had any public trials to note since. Trained by Andrew Campbell the lone gelding in the race will jump from barrier five and is to be ridden by apprentice Hazel Schofer.
Fermanagh (NZ) (Foxwedge) is another talented type lining up at only her second career start. However, unlike some of her key rivals she steps out only two weeks between runs.
Barrier one gives rider Lisa Allpress plenty of options and if she can find an out at the top of the straight expect a forward showing.
Supreme ready to fire
Wanganui, Listed AGC Training S., NZ$50,000, 1600m
The Mark Brosnan-trained Supreme Heights (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) finished second on return last month in similar grade.
She draws nicely in barrier four here and can produce another bold showing stepping out over a mile under Lynsey Satherley.
Forget Crowning Star (Hallowed Crown) went around last time out when finishing 20.2l last. If she can recapture the form that she displayed before that run at Awapuni expect her to prove extremely hard to hold out here third-up.
William Wallace (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) comes into this event fourth-up and ready to peak.
The 8-year-old gelding sticks to a mile and can use barrier three to his advantage, while the Marilyn Paewai-trained Rosewood (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) will need a touch of luck and a good steer from apprentice Hazel Schofer to be winning out of barrier 10.
