Racing: Mr Luigi set to again step forward

Mr Luigi, with Sam Spratt aboard, should be equal to the occasion again today at Te Rapa. Picture / NZ Racing Desk

Winter has come and this fellow is charging through the grades with lots of style

Winters throw up at least one horse that charges through the grades stylishly. This winter it's Mr Luigi.

The overall plan should take another step forward in Race 7 at Te Rapa today.

Mr Luigi was a tragedy beaten two starts back and misfortune came close to preventing a result at Tauranga last start.

The horse looked to be travelling well in the terribly wet ground in the final event when he slipped badly on the home bend. It came close to bringing him to ground, but he regained composure and he and Sam Spratt charged away to win by a margin.

The same combination should be equal to the occasion again.

There are lots of chances for the multiple combinations - Alamer, El Duque and Ultimata among the best of them.

Experience invariably counts for plenty in 2-year-old races and as the only winner in the race, Pluck That (No1, R1), commands attention in the opener. Where Are You (No8) is at the opening end on debut. She won quite well at the Avondale barrier trials.

If there is any justice, Passsivity (No2, R2) should go close today. It looked like the win was coming last start until Passivity was run down late. Devonport (No6) might be a sneaky for the multiple bets.

A relatively small field in Race 3, but it's a difficult race. Elusive Gold (No7) was only fourth last start, but was less than half a length back. This looks his type of race and he comes in at the right weight.

Celebrity Miss (No1) has a decent 60kg to lump and that won't help, but she won't give in easily. She is very fit.

Eletist (No8, R4) found the Tauranga track last start just too heavy for a resuming run. This will be better and he will be fitter for that last race. Mr Knowitall (No6) enjoys this type of race and Zorrali (No9) is very fit.

Our King Sway (No5, R6) looked likely to win 200m out at Ruakaka last start and just peaked on his run. He should be better for this and appeals, particularly on an each-way basis.

Plenty of hopes with a winner here two weeks ago Lord and Master (No4) making plenty of appeal. This will be a bit tougher because of the conditions, but he is a horse on the way through.

El Disparo (No10) is a chance for the multiples.

Acrylic (No1, R9) is a smart improver, but as a 3-year-old with 60kg topweight this will not be easy for him. The best option will be if he comes up at each-way odds of around $4.50.

City Boy (No2) will appreciate his apprentice claim.

In the big jumping races at Trentham, Just Got Home looks a great bet in the Wellington Hurdles and later in the Wellington Steeplechase, improver Crash Bandicoot, at the weights, is looking good on the each-way basis.