Mike Dillon: Johnny is poised to get the cash again

If Johnny D'Cash is as good as he's promised in his very brief career he's going to be very tough to beat in the New Zealand Bloodstock Leasing and Finance at New Plymouth today.

That last win a couple of weeks ago was no fluke and after just four raceday starts, it should have brought him along further. This is tougher than he's faced, but he can handle the wettest tracks and will be suited by the jump to 1600m. Realism is going to be tough to keep out. The quinella might be a good second option and throw in Blakmandu as well.

Every multi-taker today is likely to include Conchord (No 2, R4). He's won by six lengths and seven lengths in two starts since a break, but the worry is today he's having his third race in 14 days. The ease with which he's won those races probably offsets much of the back-up scenario, but there is still room for concern at the very short odds he'll come up at. Perhaps that's being a touch too cautious, but hedge your bets slightly. Mr Kool (No 4) has always looked smart and won nicely when fresh from a spell last start. He might now be ready to realise the potential he's always shown.

Validus (No 4, R5) was taken on in front when beaten into third last start. He has plenty of talent in the wet and might be better suited if ridden just off the pace. The drop from 58kg to 56.5kg will help as well. Kaap Kruis (No 1) will again appreciate the 3kg Rosie Myers takes off his back.

Soph (No 5, R7) does not have one as good as Zlato to handle this time. She just loves winter tracks and can take this today despite her 58kg, with Opie Bosson to once again give her a helping hand. Sand Hawk (No 1) could be the surprise.

At the weights Yanna Marie (No 5, R8) looks the one for the $100,000 Waikato Stud Opunake Cup. The 55kg looks inviting and being the tough, consistent mare she is she looks an each-way-all-day proposition. Few horses can run their races out like she does in the mud and that's going to be so important today. Don't write off Bulginbaah (No 1) despite his big weight because he ignores such imposts when he gets his favoured wet ground.

Keeper Coming (No 6, R10) was definitely disappointing when beaten favourite when only sixth on her home track at Te Awamutu last start, but her prior form suggests she warrants another chance.

At Avondale, Montjee (No 6, R3) might be close enough to the safest bet all day. He's been patiently handled and his runaway home-track victory at Matamata last start suggests he's on the verge of his career-best form.

Kula Me Kool (No 6, R1) made enough of an impression winning at the barrier trials to say he can make a decent job of his debut run today.

Jungle Juice (No 5, R2) had only to run straight to win at Avondale last start. The filly was caught in the last stride and beaten a bare nose. If she's learned from that she should be hard to beat in the juvenile race.

Rusty Devil (No 4, R6) was hampered late when getting home nicely at the last meeting here. He looks suited in this company.