By MIKE DILLON
If a horse has missed a gallop in the last two months it can't win at Ellerslie today.
The Ellerslie footing will redefine the word testing. The going became a slog towards the end of the programme on Saturday and with heavy rain yesterday, should be even deeper.
The Jillings/Yuill stable know how to get their runners fit and Shaka (No2, R4) is one of the better bets. Shaka has a formline that makes him look like a professional placegetter, but he's chased smart sorts like Call Me Zeus and Michael Collins lately. Jim Collett will be looking for a win after winning the last on Saturday then losing it in the inquiry room.
First start maidens would normally look risky in such conditions, but Sharif (No13, R2) was so impressive winning at the Cambridge trials he is worth the risk. The footing that day was not as heavy as he strikes here, but he coped well with a track that bordered on heavy. Astrella (No2) should manage.
Wide draws may not be a disadvantage, particularly late and Vyner's Lane (No6, R8) can make it three in a row. He stuck on well to win here last week after looking likely to be run down and seems able to cope with any conditions. Petanque (No2, R8) can run a big race fresh as can Duke's Deal (No4).
The conditions became so wet at Rotorua that Watch Officer (No3, R9) ended up with things stacked against him, particularly with only two previous runs going into the race. He should be fitter and has a great record at Ellerslie. The 58kg might anchor Chase Alida (No1), but he will fight hard and is a must for the trifecta. Fly Away Home (No10) is close to a win.
Ken Browne rates his runaway Matamata winner Trout Secrets (No2, R3) a coming star. "There are few around as good as him. I rate him on a par with Gold Story," he says. In which case even the impressive Harrison Ford (No1) will have a fight on his hands today. Save on the quinella.
The formline of Von Nida (No6, R6) is unimpressive, but he still looks close to a win. He likes this track better than Te Rapa, where he finished fourth last start. Stylish Heritage (No8) comes into his own when they are going up and down in the one spot.
The approach to the Mercedes Northern is probably to stand Royal Ways (No3) and Boon's Boy (No4) on top in trifectas and add Willie Tee (No6) and the Browne runners All Rhythm (No5) and Fair Brother (No7) for the minor money.
The conditions are against first-up runners, but Master Pom (No1, R10) won a 1600m trial very easily at Avondale two weeks ago and even with 58kg, makes a fair bit of appeal with Danny Boy (No6) a safe trifecta chance. Woodward Street (No8) and Bemuze (No9) are dangers.
The best roughies are Te Poi Spirit (No9. R) and Stylish Prospect (No11, R8).
Racing: Rain-sodden track will be test of grit and guts
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