The Hawkes Bay Racing Spring Carnival is almost upon us. Get set for three days of thrilling Group 1 racing starting this Saturday. Video / LOVERACING.NZ
How the leading trainers and jockeys from around the country rate their top chances for your punting weekend:
Johno Benner: Hoodlum (Hastings, R5): "Smart three-year-old and while it is a good field he can take the step up."
Lisa Allpress: Old Town Road (Hastings, R10): "Racing really well and likes the wet tracks so has to be a good each way chance."
Michael Pitman: Fireglow (Riccarton, R3): "Like everybody we on a weather watch but very promising horse we are aiming at the 2000 Guineas)."
Samantha Collett: Mauna Loa (Hastings, R4): "Super consistent and has slow track form. Wide draw shouldn't worry and has fitness on his side."
Paul Harris: Kenki (Riccarton, R1): "Has taken no harm from his third the other day and should be the one to beat."
Jamie Richards: Need I Say More (Riccarton, R7): "Obviously we have a very busy team of horses in this weekend but he is a quality animal ready to go fresh up."
Need I Say More. Photo / Trish Dunell.
Shaun Phelan: Hit The Road Jack (Hastings, R1): "An up and coming stayer who is well weighted. On the riding front I have some good mounts at Te Aroha on Sunday but the track could be a worry for some of them."
Andrew Carston: Art De Triomphe (Riccarton, R8): "I wouldn't normally tip one as my best in a listed race but she was really impressive winning fresh up and while this is a step up I am really happy with her."
Stephen Ralph: New York Jazz (Te Aroha, R7: "He has won two from three at Te Aroha and the track conditions should be in his range. It just got too holding for him last weekend."
Kozzi Asano: Te Awe Awe (Hastings, R4): "Being by Zed she handles the wet and was a winner this track and distance last start so has to be a chance."
Guy Lowry: Mohaka (Hastings R8): "So much this weekend depends on weather. She is a place bet is track is slow. Shezzacatch is different because she is a winning chance in the same race if the track doesn't deteriorate."
Shaun Fannin: Delegate (Te Aroha, R4): "Been very consistent lately and looks overdue a win in an even field."
Terri Rae: Rockland (Riccarton, R6): "Was our best chance until the draws came out and would prefer a better track but has come up well so not far off a win."
Lauren Brennan: English Gambler (Te Aroha, R3): "I'd be very confident if the track doesn't get too wet. He actually has wet track form on the flat but being a hurdle race the wet would make it far more testing."
Paul Nelson: Suliman (Hastings, R1): "Now the rain has come he has to be a good chance because he loves it wet."
