By MIKE DILLON
John Wheeler's attention might be at the Queensland winter carnival tomorrow, but he can pick up the richest prize in New Zealand racing for the day.
The Taranaki trainer's chances look strong with Classify in the $55,000 Jim Martin Building Rotorua Cup.
Classify probably looked like a grinder when he won two starts back at the Ellerslie Easter carnival, but his second to Bel Air in the Hawkes Bay Cup last start was impressive.
Better still, he has the statistical background you love for a race like this - unbeaten in three starts at Rotorua and two wins from three starts on heavy tracks.
Classify has proved he can grind, and if the predicted rain keeps falling, that's exactly what will be required.
His win under 58kg at Ellerslie has elevated him to second topweight at 55.5kg in this stronger field, but he still gets 2.5kg off topweight Cronus.
Cronus found the going a bit rich behind Shogun Lodge and company at weight-for-age in Sydney last start, but will find this a bit easier.
There was a lot to like about the way he got to the finish to narrowly win at Awapuni two starts back, and while the 58kg might be a bit tough to lump if the going gets very testing, his class and determination will carry him a long way.
Blown Away is the one to watch and stay with for the next few starts. He was a winter star in the handicap ranks last winter and comes in pretty well at 53.5kg in this line-up.
He has had only the one run back this preparation, but that was at 2000m and it should have fitted him up nicely for this.
Watch Officer, Blazing and Strauss's Delight are all capable of getting into the trifecta.
Watch Officer has traditionally thrown in a big effort in this race and his two starts this preparation will have him just about ready to produce his best again.
Strauss's Delight is best known for her firm track form this summer, but worth remembering is her record of two wins and two placings from five starts in heavy tracks.
In the absence of Butterscotch, the way has been made clear for Arduous to come back to her best form in the second leg of the TAB double, the $30,000 Rotorua Stakes.
The opposition has gone a bit quick for Arduous on slick tracks in two starts this preparation, but she gets the conditions she has been looking for this time.
She looked very smart in the wet last winter, winning at Caulfield as well as twice at Rotorua.
The conditions should also bring a big improvement in Party Queen. She could not match the sprint of CInder Bella and company at Te Rapa last start, but this will be an entirely different type of race.
Racing: Classify ready for Rotorua Cup
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