G1 Windsor Park Plate, NZ$200,000, 1600m
A different race this year without Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) who has taken out its last three runnings. But there is still plenty of interest with an odds-on favourite in the shape of Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) dominating discussion. He was terrific out-toughing his rivals in the G1 Tarzino Trophy first-up.
Spring Tide (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) was flying late when second in that same race in which Gino Severini (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) also ran very well - as did Pris de Fer (NZ) (Savabeel) who did not have the best of runs off a slow start.
A member of the Eight Carat (GB) (Pieces Of Eight {Ire}) clan, Siracusa (NZ) (Sebring) was good from a wide gate last start but has again drawn awkwardly out wide.
G2 Dundeel at Arrowfield Hawke's Bay Guineas, NZ$110,000, 1400m
Topweight Wakari (NZ) (Vespa {NZ}) starts favourite here, and deservedly so on the back of his determined Listed Hawke's Bay Sprint victory last time out. He is yet to finish out of the quinella in four starts.
The Australian-bred Hoodlum (Furnaces) was good without the best of luck behind Wakari. Also lightly raced and promising is the fellow Australian-bred Khufu (American Pharoah {USA}), who showed heart wearing down the leader to win first-up; her only other run coming in Group 2 company on debut in January.
Mana Nui (NZ) (No Nay Never {USA}) also won well first-up, at just her second outing giving a good kick at the 400 metres when leading throughout at Te Rapa. The Listed Wanganui Guineas quinella of Soldier Boy (NZ) (Proisir) and Yeaboi (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) should also give a sight.
