KEY POINTS:
In terms of style Hitchcock has probably been the most attractive winner of the Ellerslie carnival so far.
Sure, it was merely a R76 race he won on the first day last Saturday, but it was the way he did it. He doesn't jump up just one grade to run in the R92 race at Ellerslie today, he slides up two ratings and that might go close to beating him. But trainer Russell Cameron is too astute to overmatch a horse as inexperienced and talented as Hitchcock. He has drawn nicely in Race 5 and should provide go well.
Winning five group races on end including four straight at group one level is beyond most people's dreams and there will be those who will be backing Sir Slick to get beaten in today's $200,000 Starcraft Stakes at Ellerslie.
After all the remarkable racehorse has had just four minor placings from 11 starts at Ellerslie. Some will say he's a left-handed runner because all his recent winning form has been in the opposite direction to racing at Ellerslie, but on right-handed tracks he has won three times at Tauranga and twice at Te Aroha. Sir Slick has the mental fortitude to overcome racing biases - he essentially makes his own luck and in the driving form he's been in lately he has to be the horse to beat even though Ellerslie is not as easy as some tracks to lead throughout on.
There appears to be no other speed in this race and it means not only should Sir Slick be able to get to the rail without a fight, he should enjoy an uncontested lead.
That will leave all the options with Opie Bosson, who rode a magnificent race on him to win the group one Whakanui Stakes at Te Rapa.
Sharvasti was never a chance to win the Whakanui, but she chased Sir Slick hard for second. She is a high class mare and if something goes amiss with the favourite Sharvasti is the one most likely to take advantage.
In what should be a fascinating contest, Zilzie, Dezigna and Lilakyn should all be competitive.
Bono (No11, R2) was a dashing maiden winner on this track last month and from the rails draw over 1200m should make a showing, despite this being a very strong R76 field. The Winger (No6) and My Corona (No2) are big chances and watch for Kate Cross (No7) to throw in a beaut fresh-up performance.
In the opener, Ginga Dude (No1, R1) comes in as one of only four winners in a special conditions maiden race. He was stylish winning at Te Rapa last start and looks a horse of some substance. He shouldn't miss the money on an each-way basis.
There has always looked to be a decent race in Magic Tryst (No4, R3) and it might be today. The flying machine comes in nice and fresh and worked nicely at the breakfast galloping session at Ellerslie leading up to the carnival. She has drawn awkwardly wide at No8 at the 1200m, but has blinding speed and might be able to clear the others inside the first 150m.
With niggling doubts about one or two runners in Race 4, Primavera (No4) each-way might be the best approach. She is still slightly underrated and didn't get the breaks when a solid-finishing third in a fillies and mares stakes race last start.
The 2-year-olds in the $175,000 Ford Diamond Stakes create a punting nightmare. The Pooka (No1, R7) is close enough to the best horse at this point of the season, but there are slight questions that the collective niggling problems he's experienced might have him just a touch off his best, in which case it would make this race difficult for him, particularly from a widish draw. That said, he's too good to discount.
Pierre Joseph (No6) will go close. He has immense talent, even if he's not entirely sure just yet what to do with it. He made it hard for himself by being slow away at Matamata last start, but he was stylish in flashing home into second. He should have learned further from that and if he can find one length extra as a result it might just be enough.
In winning the Matamata Breeders, Satinka (No10) made sure no one ever again underestimated her. It won't be as easy to lead and win here, but she deserves respect. So does El Cuento (No2).
Authoress (No1, R10) deserves a winning turn after her gallant finishing effort when a close third behind Young Centaur in a slightly tougher field here last week. She has 58kg, a good weight for a mare, but she lumped 57.5kg and has Opie Bosson to help her. She looks each-way forever.Tedriffic (No6) is a decent emerging stayer for John Wheeler. Last start he beat all but Bak Da Chief, who was a weight special that day. That's good form for a race like this.
