Luck certainly did not go the way of Giant Turtle (No3, R1) last start on Boxing Day. He ran out of room when finishing behind stylish winner Huka Eagle. He broke his maiden the time before that when he got to the line strongly and being a 3-year-old by Zabeel he should continue to improve. Way In (No4) also finished well from the back of the field in that same race and her third looked a likely pointer to this race.
Race 2 is one of the toughest on the card, but Macka's Back (No3) and Dufellforte (No1) will surprise if they do not feature prominently.
Macka's Back has been getting to the finish strongly lately and a hard-run 1400m here should suit ideally. Dufellforte faded last start after leading, but might be better ridden in behind the speed.
It's never a good idea to load up too much on horses still a race away from their grand final, but everything points to Graphic (No1, R3) being difficult to cope with. He is aiming to win his second consecutive Wellington Cup, but on his last-start fourth in the group one Zabeel Classic this race looks well within his scope even under 59kg clear topweight. Co-trainer Chad Ormsby believes Graphic is fitter for this than the Zabeel. Dalveen (No5) is about as consistent as Auckland's weather, but she can certainly gallop when in the mood.
The 2-year-old event, Race 4, is the only one tougher than Race 2 and you can make a case for just about all of them. With a nice barrier and a big opinion of talented trainer Lisa Latta Bella Court (No10) is worth attention. She is one of the impressive first season foals sired by Per Incanto and her debut second to highly talented filly Strata Lady at Awapuni impressed many. Latta says she has galloped the filly right-handed and she coped well, which is critical first time around Ellerslie, where there is little room for error for juveniles. Billy Mojo (No1) has drawn out a bit and has 57.5kg to cope with, but he is a winner and has to be included in the mix. Reminisce (No7) and Amarula (No2) are real chances in what should be a fascinating race.
Race 5 is also extremely competitive. There was a bit to like about the way Iffley Road (No5) won first up. The handy barrier and the apprentice allowance will help. Pacific Choice (No4) has a good barrier and should make the most of it. Cherry Vain (No7) and Adrenaline Rush (No1) are in the mix.
If Mosse (No3, R6) is going to come back to something like his best form it should be today. He has a lot going for him in this race, particularly the small field where he can get back and hopefully swallow them up late. Watch Rollout The Carpet (No4). She is likely to do something soon.
Maid Of Steel (No12, R7) didn't win when favourite last start after an unlucky debut second, but this is her chance from a nice barrier again. Hunapo (No11) and Haparanda (No5) appeal in a race with a few chances. Polish (No6, R9) deserves a win and she could top off a successful day for the Tony Pike stable, which has been enjoying a great run. Diamond Edge (No8) and Cheeky Boy (No7) will appreciate the 2100m.
Jim Collett is confident he has a 3-year-old that can test the best of his age group over ground.
He believes the TV3 New Zealand Derby-nominated McQueen has all the attributes necessary to graduate to higher staying honours.
"I think he would be very competitive against the best ones at a distance, he needs 2000m-plus," Collett said.
"He's a dead-set stayer and he's a nice, relaxed galloper who could be the real deal," Collett said.
McQueen, whose stablemate Massofdash was a second-up winner at Rotorua on Thursday, will make his next appearance over 1500m at Ellerslie today in the Fireworks @ Karaka Million 3YO.
Additional reporting NZ Racing Desk
