Racing: Jumps, amateur make it tricky at Ellerslie

It's hard to ignore that Hypontize has won this race three times. Photo / Getty Images

Four jumping races and an amateur riders' race at Ellerslie this afternoon.

Not easy on the punt.

So let's leave the first, the maiden hurdle, and start at Race 2. Pure Cruising (No1, R2) should run a decent race for John Sargent fresh from a bit of a break. He got into bad trouble when beaten favourite at Te Rapa last start in June and before that his form had been superb. The 3kg Dicky Lui will take off the 59kg will be the key to the race.

It means Pure Cruising comes in 1.5kg below Sans Souci, which is likely to start favourite. No shortage of chances facing him, but if the boy does the right thing Pure Cruising will be difficult to keep out.

A maiden steeplechase - what are we thinking - but Onekaykaraka (No2, R3) is worth a dabble. That wasn't a bad run of his at Paeroa and he's worth at least an each-way.

Seeking The Silver (No4, R4) might just be a touch good for most of the open hurdlers. That was an extremely gutsy run when a close second to Honey in the Wellington Hurdles when he refused to give in through the last 200m.

He's had plenty of time to get over that tough run.

Years ago I swore I'd never have a bet in an amateur race, but I don't suppose that stops you tipping. Riders are often the way to go and Scott Wenn rides as well as any and better than most so Palmero (No4, R5) on that basis makes a fair bit of appeal. Just-retired trainer Kerry Vener shares in the ownership and it would be good to see Kerry get a victory here. D'Goldie (No3) doesn't win out of turn, but is capable in this grade.

Hypnotize (No1, R7) and 72kg, well, you can't really doubt the old bloke, it's rare that he's let anyone down. This won't be easy for him - perhaps the Great Northern and its extra distance might be more his go - but it's difficult to ignore that he's won this race three times. Even if you don't back him, cheer for him - he's a real dude.

The racing pattern on the day will have a big bearing on Race 8. If they're winning on the speed and not getting to the outside fence Don Dixit (No6, R8) can run a race. A stone bruise burst out in a foot after being beaten at Te Rapa last start, so you can forget that failure. If they are getting very wide late in the race it will probably better suit the back markers more. For a small field this is a tricky race. The ground is likely to be sticky and may not ideally suit Matost (No2), but he is in good form and he's tough. Don Domingo (No4) will quickly be looking for more ground than this, but he went very well for second to Lion Tamer at the Te Teko barrier trials.

The last is hardly the best field of the day and Essential (No1, R9) can run a race fresh. He showed he was close to being ready for a bold fresh-up run when he won a heat at the Te Teko trials.

Runningdownadream (No7) is a real chance.