Horse Racing: Three's a crowd at Ruakaka

Monarch Chimes competes in the $50,000 Hawke's Bay Hurdle tomorrow. Photo / Trish Dunell

Here we go again, another benefit for the local Chris Gibbs stable at Ruakaka tomorrow.

But wait — it's not all plain sailing — three of the stable's best chances from a myriad opportunities have landed in the same race, the $35,000 Northpine Waipu Cup.

Rikki Tikki Tavi, Rockabyebaby and recent addition Vinevale clash in the 1400m main event and you wouldn't be surprised at which one could end up favourite. There is a strong case for each.

Rikki Tikki Tavi has enormous claims. She received a perfect trail in her race on the track two weeks ago, but the downside was she was left in front virtually from the home turn and she had none other than Hiflyer breathing down her tail. In a tough run to the line Hiflyer burst through to win and the much lighter weighted Fire Jet worked past Rikki Tikki Tavi late and into second.

Mercifully there is no Hiflyer this time and because the race is a no-claiming affair, Fire Jet meets Rikki Tikki Tavi 3kg worse off, which should be significant. It is also significant that Rikki Tikki Tavi is dropping back a grade from open company and carrying the same weight.

Rockabyebaby was coming off a break from racing when she finished third on this track two weeks ago. Her third in coming from well back was a beaut and she should be a lot sharper this time.

From a lovely inside barrier Vinevale scored nicely last start. She comes out of a wide gate this time and might need a shade of luck. She has always had a good share of ability and is thriving in her new environment.

Jumps day at Hastings tomorrow and very little separates three classy runners in It's A Wonder, No Change and the luckless Monarch Chimes. It will surprise if much separates them at the finish. Local Paul Nelson has been having an enormous trot this winter and it will surprise no one if he takes this with No Change, who has a remarkably consistent record over hurdles.

To keep up his fitness and to avoid the risk of a handicap penalty he had a highweight run last start, which followed a highly impressive jumping victory.

It's A Wonder was getting tired at the end of the KS Browne Hurdles and crashed heavily at the second last.

His overall record is good enough to allow that to be forgiven and he is right in this market. The enigma is Monarch Chimes.

He has enormous potential in his relatively new chosen game, but luck hasn't always been on his side. There is a sense of timing about his approach to this race.

If there is a good bet on the programme it looks to be Max in the Simon's 50th Birthday Steeplechase.

The 4 from 7 chaser ran in the too-short Awapuni Hurdles last time and went a respectable race to be not too far from them. This is more his caper and it should take a good effort to beat him.