Promises (No12, R9) had no chance to produce her best last start, moving backwards when the start was made then running out of clear air in the home straight. Her prior form had been terrific and this long home straight will suit. Rain wouldn't hurt either.
Palace Rock (No4, R7) was narrowly beaten in a strong field last start and should go close today.
At Ellerslie, Storming The Tower (No3, R1) doesn't have a great looking formline, but it's worth noting his last start was in the Counties Cup and this is lengths easier than that. Salford Art (No5) also ran in the Avondale event last time and is another who will appreciate the class drop.
Ana (No3, R2) failed to justify favouritism when resuming over 1600m last start, but finished on and will appreciate the jump up to 2200m.
Even lot in Race 3, the main chances appearing to be Wingate (No1) and Daphne (No7). An improver could be Esteem (No3) who was not disgraced on debut.
Selfie (No1, R5) was one of our better juveniles of last season. He was well beaten in the Hawke's Bay Guineas last start, but has been freshened and a better guide to his form is his close second to the highly talented The Justice League at Ruakaka when resuming this preparation. At his best he's going to take beating here. Love Triangle (No8) did well when sixth last time behind Serious Satire at Hastings, which followed a stylish winning debut.
Three from six is a pretty good record and Snowdrop (No7, R6) shows no signs of finishing yet. Her first-up win was smart and a similar effort would have her right in this again. Perfect Fit (No6) jumps up a grade rating, but is capable of measuring up.
Ryan Mark (No3, R7) deserves his favouritism for the Concorde. At No 8 he has drawn fractionally wider than you would have liked, but he has tactical speed to help him overcome that. He lacks nothing in terms of fight and should go close. Durham Town (No2) will be fitter for his first-up run.
• Matamata trainer Lance Noble has a trio of last-start winning three-year-olds on the verge of black type racing.
Lanciato and Volks Lightning can confirm stakes targets with positive performances at Ellerslie today while Fame Seeker is also ready to be tested at a higher level.
"The spring was a bit slow for us, but the team is now coming to form at the right time," Noble said.
Lanciato followed up a debut fourth with a smart effort to break his maiden at Rotorua and he will step out in the Function Staff 1400m with Michael McNab booked for the ride.
"It was a huge run first-up when he missed the kick and flew home and he then won really nicely," Noble said.
"As long as he goes well on Saturday, he'll run in the Great Northern Guineas on New Year's Day. He's a real up and comer." Volks Lightning was in the money at her first two starts before she dead-heated with Abba to open her account at Arawa Park.
She will take on a competitive line-up in the Rentokil Initial 1300m and will also be ridden by McNab.
"We've always rated her and, again, if she runs up to expectations this weekend then we'll be looking at the Eight Carat," Noble said.
Fame Seeker, a half-sister to the Group One performer Blinding, posted an overdue first victory at Te Rapa last month. "She'll go down to Awapuni to run in the Eulogy Stakes on Saturday week."
Additional reporting NZ Racing Desk
