G2 Thoroughbred Breeders' S., NZ$120,000, 1400m
Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) was just too good in the G3 Spring Sprint when resuming and looks a top chance for the double. Rising in class is the only last-start winner here - No Rock No Pop (NZ) (Rock 'N' Pop) who was strong to the line over a little longer.
Travelling Light (NZ) (El Roca) doesn't know how to run a bad race, nor does Our Alley Cat (NZ) (Atlante) who was badly held up for runs in the Spring Sprint. Slave To Love (NZ) (Savabeel) and Vernazza (NZ) (More Than Ready {USA}) were both excellent first-up whilst Isla Jay (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) always shows fight.
G3 Counties Cup, NZ$110,000, 2100m
Toppie Big Mike (NZ) (Don Eduardo {NZ}) has been kept up to the mark with a good trial run having tired from the lead in Group 1 company last time out.
Cheaperthandivorce (NZ) (Savabeel) will again prove hard too toss having shown plenty of heart winning his last two.
Robusto (NZ) (Zed {NZ}), Le Sablier (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), Judy's Song (NZ) (Niagara), Justamaiz (NZ) (Guillotine) and Two Madison (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}) are also racing well.
Meanwhile Sweet Clementine (NZ) (Sweet Orange {USA}) looks suited up in distance.
Listed 2-Year-Old S., NZ$70,000, 1100m
Mascarinto (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) could not have been more impressive when saluting by 6.75l at debut and will again prove hard to toss.
Sacred Satonto (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) was strong to the line when going close at his first start with the only other contestant with raceday experience is Bella Tivaci (NZ) (Tivaci) who is again likely to go out at odds having beaten only a couple home at debut.
The other three runners face the starter for the first time - Beckenbauer (NZ) (Complacent) and Bright Blue Sky (Fastnet Rock) both Matamata trial winners whilst Mi Electra (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) has not been seen publicly.
Listed Counties Bowl, NZ$70,000, 1100m
Babylon Berlin (All Too Hard) looked to have a bit in hand taking out the Listed Pegasus S. last time out and should again prove hard to beat. Just two others here are last-start winners - Vamos Bebe (I Am Invincible) up in class having impressed at Matamata and Johny Johny (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) who has looked good saluting at three of his first four starts.
Gino Severini (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) keeps racing well whilst Roch 'N' Horse (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) was good first-up off an awkward start.
Levante (NZ) (Proisir) will have plenty of admirers first-up having trialled nicely recently - he was last seen running a nice fourth in the G1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' S. in mid-April.
