With possible vulnerability around the established topweights, the way could be clear for a pair of emerging staying stars to grab the money in tomorrow's $55,000 Marton Cup at Awapuni.
Gravano and Seraphim have promised for some time to burst into the open class headlines and the timing is right.
Gravano will relish the step up to a middle distance. Two back he finished fifth, 1.1 lengths from Hiflyer with Splurge second in the group three Eagle Technology Stakes at Ellerslie. Subsequently, he went back to the same 1600m at Te Rapa and raced a fraction one-paced at the distance, but was less than two lengths from the winner. He will be ready for the 2100m this time.
Being by Rip Van Winkle from the great Melbourne Cup winner Ethereal, Seraphim surprises no one in showing real form as she develops her strength. The wins in her last two races in easier company than this has left little doubt she is ready to step up. She looks well-placed on 53kg to trouble those at the top of the handicap.
The main issue will be the weather. If the forecast is half right we are looking at a slow to heavy track.