KEY POINTS:
Barrier draws, luck in running and the possibility of showers makes today's $175,000 Manawatu Sires' Produce a tough call for punters.
But it should still prove to be a wonderful betting medium.
Get this trifecta and you'll have a good day.
Go reasonably wide though - El Cuento, The Pooka and Pierre Joseph are a trio you have to have in all three trifecta slots.
Then look at Satinka, Crossword, who looks like she might step up, Alamosa and Nightlign.
Alamosa is at false odds because of his wide barrier - and for sure it's a chance to keep him out of the money - but Gavin McKeon might be able to snag him a slot one off after 200m, in which case you'd be a high risk if you left him out.
Satinka wanted to run away from the other horses inside her when narrowly beaten by Alamosa at Ellerslie after sitting parked. Don't be surprised if she spears straight to the front as she did when winning stylishly at Matamata.
Fascinating race - let's hope the predicted showers stay away today.
Fourwinners (No2, R2) has caught the eye in two runs since being brought here from Queensland. He stormed home to be narrowly beaten at Hastings first up then did the same at Ellerslie last time.
This race should better suit horses getting home from the back.
Shamrock Star (No4, R8) might be better known as a staying type, but don't let that put you off him today. He has remarkable stats for this race: two wins from three runs on the track, unbeaten at two runs at the 1400m distance and has won two out of three when resuming from a break.
There are a couple of sharp chances here, but don't be surprised if he goes close.
After the rain in the north, Pukekohe did well to be only 2.8 yesterday morning and if it does not get any worse there should be some competitive racing.
Guitar Man (No3, R1) has the credentials for a jumpers flat. He has often looked useful in fields a bit better than this and he rates highly. Willandra Prince is likely to be ready for a first-up performance.
Eye Me Up (No7, R2) was freshened after something went amiss with Grant Cooksley's gear at Ellerslie on January 1. He looked pretty good in a couple of his earlier three runs and from a good draw should go close.
Dutyful (No8, R3) is backing up after only seven days, but if she arrives in the same condition as she did at Tauranga last week she'll go close here. She fair flew home late over 1400m to be beaten by two long heads and at 1600m on a roomier track this time appeals a lot.
Pocolito (No1, R5) looked stiff when blocked for a run in the home straight on this track last start. His fourth that day was a pretty good effort and he gets a good opportunity to quit maidens here.
On face value the effort of Overflo (No9, R6) at Ellerslie last start looked ordinary, but the sectional times were right against her. They crawled and sprinted home and back runners like her had no chance. It will be interesting to see what she does with this middle distance because she races like a horse looking for ground.
The return to form of Willie Ryan (No6) last start was no fluke and Honeymoonzova (No3) is trifecta material.
Nordic Dancer (No3, R7) is a middle distance mare, but fresh from a break she should throw in a good 1600m. She likes give in the ground, which she'll get and is well up to winning in a field like this.
In the last, Beersheba Knight (No4, R10) appeals. He was getting home strongly in a sharp 1200m won by Bono at Ellerslie and is a much better type over this 1400m.
