Racing: Orion shows enough zip to back at Tauranga

Xanadu is the one to beat in the big race today. Photo / APN

If Orion runs up to his last-start third at Ellerslie he will win today's Race 2 at Tauranga.

The trick being that although stayers run a beaut first-up 1400m, they sometimes need a distance beyond 1600m to next time show their best.

We have to take the odds here that Orion will simply appreciate the 1600m today and finish his race off like when he flew into third at Ellerslie when having his first start since a Melbourne spring campaign.

Unquestionably Orion is a stayer, but he showed enough zip at Ellerslie to suggest the 1600m this time might just not be too short. He's worth a bet and if it doesn't come off, the next time out it will.

Lonely Boy and Burma look dangers in a useful field.

The performances by Equanimity (No7, R3) in two winning runs from as many starts have been stunning. She is really heading places and it will be a surprise if she doesn't make it three from three today. The last 300m of her races are impressive and that's where she should win today's contest.

He's A Bigdeel (No2, R1) is better than his 284 formline suggests. He won't be long in the maiden grade.

An even lot in Race 4. Blossom Queen's (No5) run wasn't bad when fourth at Ellerslie last start and she looks ideal for the step up to 2100m.

She's ideally drawn to get the sweet trip and looks a good each-way prospect. Pink Diamond (No7) didn't figure behind Jimmy Hoffa at Ellerslie last start, but her earlier form was much better. She's worth the benefit of the doubt on that one run.

Xanadu (No2, R6) is no doubt the one to beat in the big race today, but at the slightly better odds Chintz (No3) has appeal for this column. She continues to be a bit better than most rate her and her finishing sprint is superb. She is a very good risk on an each-way basis. Viadana (No1) despite her 59kg has to be put in there somewhere and Zonza (No5) is the quick improver.

Is Fix (No4, R7) going to come back to the excellent 3-year-old form we saw last season? We are going to find out today. The winner of nearly $400,000 is better than this field and she has to show that today. Even the showers predicted for late in the day won't affect her - she is unbeaten in two starts on rain-affected tracks. It's possible that's been the problem - she may have needed an easing in the ground. Today will tell. Magic Belle (No6) is the boilover contestant.

If the showers arrive, Queens Rose (No3, R8) is going to appreciate them. She is very good on her day and even with 59kg this race sets up nicely for her if Noel Harris can find her the right trip. The 2kg Kevin Leung takes off Kelly O'Reilly (No1) makes her the danger.

The last is tricky, but there was plenty to admire about the way Tonbridge (No2, R9) descended on them to win over the Ellerslie carnival in his first start since returning from Hong Kong. He might just be very good.

He's another recipient of a 2kg Leung allowance and if the showers come he shouldn't be affected.