The Masterton Cup has attracted the smallest number of runners on the card but is nevertheless shaping up to be a good contest. There is no real standout in the race.
A couple of runners are coming back from spells with no trial form, so punters will have to be on their toes.
Yeshi Shinko has the credentials to make a fair fist of winning the cup, racing over her favourite distance and being adept on all surfaces outside of firm going.
Allan Sharrock has again opted to put Vanessa Johnston aboard.
An interesting runner is Roger Allen's charge Pesciolini, who ironically would probably benefit from soft or heavy going but is held in high regard and was just nutted by Brackenwood at Otaki on November 10 over this distance, 1400m.
Bryce Revell is bringing All in Tempo over from New Plymouth and he should be suited by the going and the distance.
For trifecta punters Elusive Tracy has to remain in the mix, as does Wyban Angel who is mounting a fresh campaign and Frank Stammers' old faithful Kalgoorlie Bomber who is capable of running a place.
Interesting runners elsewhere on the card include a full brother to Fritzy Boy named Jack's Boy who debuts in race three.
Owned by John Jury, Jack's Boy - like his older brother - is prepared at Opaki by Alby MacGregor.
Jack's Boy had one trial as a two-year-old and was unplaced of seven at Woodville.
Lining up in the same event will be Sir Ferrari owned by Homebush partnership No3 syndicate which includes club president Bruce Perry.
The gelding had a successful introduction to racing winning at Trentham on Melbourne Cup day and although he will lug 3kg more than any other runner he looks likely to figure prominently again.
Punters who get to the "recovery" stakes and need to bolster the coffers might like to consider popping a few dollars on another local, Malaya.
She has been battling away for trainer and part-owner Ian Wyeth and has shown enough to reward Percy the Place Punter and his mates.
