Race 1 is a tough one for punters despite the small numbers. Just Got Home (No1) is dropping back from open class in that Chapinta-Indikator race last start down to R75 class and that's a massive jump backwards. He's been given 62.5kg as a result, but Michael Dee's allowance takes 3kg off that and the 59.5kg does not look beyond him.
Saved By The Bell (No2) is dropping back from the same race, so rates as well.
Two smart types in Forefront (No4) and Etoile Filante (No13) make fresh appearances from spells in Race 2. The conditions would normally be tough for horses without recent racing background, but both of these have had recent barrier trials. We mentioned in the Herald midweek about the strength of Zabeel broodmares and both these horses have that advantage and look on their way to high ranking. The situation makes it tough to label either good things today though. It could be a trap race.
The Soliloquy Stakes is difficult in that the favourite Spellbinder (No2, R5) is a speed type and zippy horses are probably going to find it tough against the staying types in today's conditions. Spellbinder has also drawn the outside gate and if she is to lead or race on the speed as expected she is going to have to do some work early then see out the 1400m. She is classy though and deserves respect after her runaway debut win at Taupo. Beck And Call (No3) was stylish in dashing home from a fair way off them to win on debut in May. She was never a winning chance after being caught wide when resuming at Ruakaka, so that can be forgotten. The way she raced when she won will suit today's conditions. Matauri Bay (No6) looks promising and Girl Of My Dreams (No1) could be suited.
Mat Dillon (No7, R6) was so impressive making his winning debut at Matamata that it might pay to ignore his resuming beaten run at Ruakaka. He covered a lot of extra ground that day after starting from the outside barrier and although drawn wide again, he is better off this time. Another smart type in Role Model (No15) will be improved for his recent Ruakaka race.
King's Rock (No4, R7) was the headliner when he went through the Karaka ring for $1.7 million and he's likely to make as many headlines on the racetrack. You simply had to like the way he sustained a big run from the back to win on debut at Te Rapa. It wasn't a brilliant dash at the leaders, it was an effort made up of sheer determination that said: "Here I come." This is a big step up, but he's the type that will continue to improve and the tough conditions - provided he can get footing - will play into his hands. Sacred Park (No3) will be a big danger and Burnt Orange (No2) and Gobi Ranger (No1) are musts for multiple bettors.
Kapsboy (No5, R8) let the team down when he was a beaten favourite at Hastings last start, but he may have been feeling the effects of a couple of races. He's had a month to freshen up and he appeals as one who could bounce back well today. He is full of promise. Seed Of Speed (No2) will be aided by a Michael Dee 3kg allowance and watch for a bold fresh run from Miss Isle (No7).
The toughest race of the day is undoubtedly Race 9 and it's an extremely difficult leg of the turbo quaddie. For what it's worth, Atlantis (No5) and Smedley (No2) are our tips, but any of them can win.
At New Plymouth, Neena Rock (No9, R2) looks a shiny prospect on a track yesterday rated a slow 7. A slightly better track would suit, but she's lengths superior to her opposition, which is reasonable to be fair, and is the type to produce her best fresh from a spell. She will take a high rating.
