G1 Zabeel Classic, NZ$240,000, 2000m
Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) seeks to become the first horse since Star Dancer (NZ) (Star Watch) to win this race in consecutive years with the only other dual winner being the Champion mare Horlicks (NZ) (Three Legs {GB}). She was dominant winning the G2 Isuzu S. last time out and is a top chance for the double.
This race's main lead-up is the G1 Captain Cook S. run two weeks ago and the first three home that day all line up again - Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) overcoming trouble to record a gutsy win over the consistent Prise de Fer (NZ) (Savabeel) who was held up in early in the straight and Tiptronic (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}) was a gallant third.
Also running well in that race was Harlech (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) and Demonetization (All Too Hard). Sound (Ger) (Lando {Ger}) is back in trip but has been racing in great heart in Melbourne and House Of Cartier (Alamosa {NZ}) is also in nice form.
G2 Eight Carat Classic, NZ$120,000, 1600m
Belle En Rouge (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) can again prove hard to beat having overcome trouble in running to record a gutsy G3 Eulogy S. victory last time out.
Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) was not far away when fifth in the G1 Thousand Guineas over this trip whilst Flash Mary (NZ) (El Roca) is looking for a change of luck having been held up early in the straight in the Listed Eagle Memorial last start - only just missing out on the prize.
The lightly raced Karman Line (NZ) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) is showing good promise as is Lady Koval (American Pharoah {USA}) who was caught only late last start.
Listed Uncle Remus S., NZ$80,000, 1400m
The unbeaten Pareanui Bay (NZ) (Lonhro) from the family of the wonderful galloper Dr Grace (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}) is still a bit green but certainly has plenty of natural talent and should again be hard to get past.
A big threat is the Group 1 winner On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau) who showed plenty of fight when resuming. He boasts consistent form as does the fellow Australian-bred Field Of Gold (Starspangledbanner) who was strong late when placed in the G1 NZ 2000 Guineas last start.
Sophisticardo (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) is another capable of a stronger finish whilst by the same sire and worthy of another chance is Marchand (NZ) who did not have things go his way in Group 2 company last time out.
Listed Hallmark Stud H., NZ$80,000, 1200m
A tricky race with many of these horses a bit below their best of late. Festivity (NZ) (I Am Invincible) has a touch of class and can pull out a run fresh. Romantic Lady (NZ) (Power {GB}) looks well-placed having been a game and close second in the Listed Levin S. last start.
Mega Bourbon (NZ) (El Roca) is up in class but racing well.
Oselata (Deep Field), Vamos Bebe (I Am Invincible) and Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy {NZ}) are all lightly raced with upside with the first couple being particularly well-related - Oselata being a half-sister to the Group 3-winning high-class broodmare Valpolicella (NZ) (Red Ransom {USA}) whilst Vamos Bebe a daughter of the Group 1 mare Hurtle Myrtle (Dane Shadow).
Wingatui: Listed Hazlett S., NZ$60,000, 1200m
Live Drama (NZ) (Ghibellines) is deserving of a breakthrough having been game in the placings at her last three outings. Wekaforce (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) has trialled well since finding the 60kg too big a burden last start.
Okay Pal (Dissident) was good in Group company last time out whilst fellow Australian-bred galloper Summer Monsoon (Stratum) has been freshened for a suitable return to 1200 metres. Also looking well-placed back in trip is Ocean Point (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}).
Humbucker (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) and Eptimum (Snitzel) have earned a crack at this stronger class having both been in good form whilst Imblaze (NZ) (Battle Paint {USA}) did it tough out wide when resuming and will be improved.
