G1 Captain Cook S., NZ$220,000, 1600m
The Karaka Million winner Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) returns to New Zealand whilst Beauden (NZ) (Bullbars) has trialled well since being caught wide in the G1 Livamol Classic. A tough runner-up in that same race was Harlech (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) whilst also in the thick of things was Prise de Fer (NZ) (Savabeel).
Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) has been coming along as has Royal Performer (GB) (Medicean {GB}) who was held up until too late in the G3 Eagle Technology S. last time out.
Cheval Prometteur (GB) (Declaration Of War {USA}) and Demonetization (All Too Hard) both come off strong Group 3 victories.
G2 Challenge S., NZ$110,000, 1100m
Six of these juveniles have already raced including the winners Think Twice (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) who did everything right at his Waikato debut, Wessex (NZ) (Turn Me Loose {NZ}) who charged late at Matamata in late September and Wolverine (NZ) (Tivaci) who looked to have a bit in hand at Otaki.
Gibraltar Rising (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}) has shown good fight finishing in the placings at his first two starts whilst by the same stallion is the unraced trial winner Andalus (NZ).
Beatty (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) from a high class international family is also a trial winner whilst The Racketeer (NZ) (Proisir) and Mr Maestro (NZ) (Savabeel) also have winning trial form. Meanwhile Delorean (NZ) (Time Test {GB}) has been in the placings but mainly gets mentioned here due to the writer’s love of the movie after which she is named!
Best Seller (NZ) (Wrote {Ire}) has the benefit of race experience having finished off nicely at her Matamata debut.
G2 Isuzu S., NZ$110,000, 1600m
Both Showoroses (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) and House Of Cartier (Alamosa {NZ}) are attempting to win two in a row, the former too strong on pace in the G2 Breeders S. whilst the latter was an easy winner of the Listed Gold Cup.
Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) caught the eye charging home in the G3 Balmerino S. whilst another daughter of Savabeel in Slave To Love was also doing her best work late when finishing on the heels of the placegetters in the G2 Breeders S.
Victorem (Shooting To Win) is up in class but racing well.
G3 Waikato Cup, NZ$100,000, 2400m
Cheaperthandivorce (NZ) (Savabeel) was nabbed only late stepping up in distance last start and can again give plenty of cheek. Improvement is expected from Swords Drawn (Camelot {GB}) who had plenty go wrong last start.
Lowry (NZ) (Roc de Cambes {NZ}), Notabadharada (NZ) (Haradasun) and Starrybeel (NZ) (Savabeel) are all last start winners who can again measure up.
G3 Swap Sprint, NZ$80,000, 1400m
Packing Rockstar (Fastnet Rock) was so game in defeat having found trouble in running fresh and can atone. Coming through the same race as him is New York Jazz (NZ) (Niagara) who was also in the thick of things.
Vigor Winner (Declaration Of War {USA}) keeps racing well and fellow Australian-bred galloper Raposa Rapida (Foxwedge) can bounce back having been caught wide last time out.
Brando (NZ) (Savabeel) also had excuses last start as did Dragon Leap (Pierro) who comes back from Group 1 company and Providenceprovides (Real Impact {Jpn}) who, being lightly raced, still has plenty of upside.
Awapuni: G3 Eulogy S., NZ$80,000, 1600m
Some nice fillies lining up here including Belle en Rouge (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) who drops in class of her game G1 Thousand Guineas third. By the same sire is Bellacontte (NZ) who did not have the best of luck from a tricky draw last time out - drawn better this time.
Unusual Culture (NZ) (Unusual Suspect {USA}) was great stepping up to Group 3 company at only her second outing whilst Avalene (NZ) (Vadamos {Fr}), Achieve (NZ) (Pierro), Miss Madison (NZ) (Astern) and Not A Brass Razoo (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) are all last start winners.
