KEY POINTS:
Looking for a bank for your Pick? Try a couple of early races at Ellerslie.
Sam's Town (No 2, Race 1) is poised for his first win. The two horses that beat him home at Trentham would be well up to winning this.
Stephen McKee holds the key to Race 2 at Ellerslie with Irish Opera (No 4). Nothing went his way when beaten favourite at Trentham last start and this looks a much easier option. If taking quinellas include Superalloy (No 3) who will find this easier than the Anniversary at Trentham last start.
Ininthree (No 2, Race 4) doesn't come up against an Occidentalis this time. He has the perfect barrier draw and should go close.
Tarbach (No 7, Race 5) will do a lot better than when beaten favourite at Avondale last start. He is a dour stayer and got flat-footed by a slow early pace last start. Look for a better effort in what should be a race run at a much steadier pace.
Maythehorsebemagic ( No 4, Race 6) might improve with the run but it isn't that long since he raced and he's a smart stayer on the way through. So is Mr Tipsy (No 2), who should be improved for his recent Te Rapa race.
The $100,000 Telecom Championship Stakes is a nightmare race because it's not the grand final for the Derby hopes who are assured of a start. The interesting runner is Australian Coniston Bluebird (No 2, Race 7). We're going to get a a good comparison to the talent of our respective 3-year-olds.
Best bet is probably Sufficient (No 3) each way.
Late in the day at Ellerslie, Shylock's Daughter (No 2, Race 8, ) makes strong each-way appeal. She didn't get all the breaks when beaten into third on this track last start. Late Edition (No 4) and Electronic Socks (No 3) are hopes for the multiples.
