By MIKE DILLON
Michael Walker gets a chance to prove that his judgment is as good as his riding at Avondale this afternoon.
Walker predicts Starina (No10, R4) will win a major race before the end of summer, in which case the pressure is on the apprentice whizz to get her home today. Starina flashed home at Counties last start to finish second to Avondale Cup hopeful Ebony Honor and gets a chance to go one better.
An apprentice allowance will assist Nikisha (No1) to go close and Sir Lancelot (No3) can improve on his Tauranga run, where he was caught wide.
One of the most appealing punts will be the Avondale Cup trifecta which looks most tempting.
The best approach could be to stand a couple out to win, perhaps King Keitel (No3) and No Alimony No11), with three or four to run the minors, Kaapeon (No4), So Lets (No17), Magic Winner (No5) and Bexley (No9).
The pool will be big and the spread so wide that the dividend will be impressive regardless of what brings home the money.
Provided the track gets back to firm Travellin' Man (No16, R10) will take plenty of beating in the Concorde.
His first-up third on an unsuitable rain-affected track at Counties was a terrific effort trainer Tony Cole is delighted with the way he has come through the race.
"My only concern has been the rain we've had, but if the footing is okay, he'll be very tough to beat."
Don't underestimate Durzetta (No12). She has been freshened since failing to handle the easy track at Trentham last start and can run a sparkling 1200m after a break. Vain Ana (No10) is a strong trifecta hope.
Look to Alberton Star (No2, R3) to improve sharply on her first-up sixth on this track last month. She is a mare of very good ability and the small field will help her to produce her terrifically strong finishing burst. Conquistar (No1) is still improving and will be in the trifecta and Princess Marengo (No3) is worth including.
Although beaten less than two lengths, Preferred Lies (No4, R2) was a fraction disappointing when fourth at Tauranga last start. Her earlier form had been much better and she is worth one more chance. Her barrier No20 looks daunting, but there is a long run down the back straight and Jim Collett should get his chance to obtain cover.
Governor George (No1) has the right barrier draw.
The rain came at the wrong time for Krystal Klear (No4, R6) at Counties and her weakening eighth behind Beacon in the last race there can probably be forgotten. Her win on this track the start before was fabulous.
Classic Babe (No2) is on the verge of winning form and For Love (No7) and Okiwi Bay (No8) are strong trifecta hopes.
Beacon (No5, R7) is stepping up in class yet again, but has been so impressive in handling the job in recent grade jumps that open class may not stop him. He finds the line strongly, which will be important in this race. Fifty Fifty's (No6) successful finishing effort at Counties would have won her just about anything and Soap Opera (No1) rates despite her 58kg.
Racing: Getting best out of Starina will be test for whizz kid
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