Racing: Seachange simply in different league

There is a tendency to underrate class when it hasn't been seen for a while.

The last time Seachange raced was January 7 at Woodville and that will be a factor if she is over the odds when she faces the public at Te Rapa today.

There are some talented gallopers in Race 4, including the filly's stablemate, group one Easter Handicap victor Rags To Riches.

But from what we've seen in five unbeaten runs, Seachange is in a different league.

She's freakish. You only have to recall that Woodville race - Seachange led and when Gavin McKeon pressed go she left Wahid 5.25 lengths in her wake and Leith Innes declared later he'd felt confident on Wahid at the home bend.

Despite an enforced lay-off and unnatural confinement, Seachange has looked very solid in condition, winning her recent barrier trial and impressive in her trackwork at Cambridge this week.

If Wahid was in this race he'd be at $1.15. Seachange should be a lot longer than that and it may be the leg-up you need to boost a bank for the terminating $250,000 Pick6.

Don't lose sight of the huge difference between a terminating jackpot and the usual type that require all six winners. Winter Pick6s have been notorious this year and if an outsider jumps into the frame in one leg at Te Rapa this afternoon there is still a big chance you could grab a decent payout with the other five legs.

Jumpers can be tricky when trying to build a pool for a Pick6 investment.

However, Tenjuberrymud (No7, R1) in the hurdles and Bogeyman (No2, R3) for the steeplechase are better risks than normal.

Tenjuberrymud made his hurdling debut at Te Aroha last week and although 11 lengths away in fourth place as the beaten favourite, he was not that disappointing. The track was heavy and he will be a lot better on a much improved surface today.

Bogeyman is fit after three steeplechases in the last six weeks. He was narrowly beaten at Te Aroha after leading and although there is another 500m to travel, the better footing should suit his free-going style.

Moroa (No1, R2) should go close to winning. He was only narrowly beaten at Te Awamutu last start.

THE PICK6

Local reinsman Peter Fergusson won the first three legs of the $250,000 Pick6 at Cambridge on Thursday night - don't be surprised if Matamata trainer Mark Walker achieves something similar with the last three legs at Te Rapa today.

Leg 4: Walker has unbeaten Polish Princess (No1, R8) engaged. The Northern Hemisphere-bred filly has not raced for six weeks, but Walker says he does not expect fitness to be an issue. The way she has won her two races so far, Polish Princess will take plenty of beating in a field that is not stacked with stars. Ballymore Lass (No2), Vindaloo (No14) and Gilhooley (No4) are must-includes.

Leg 5: Walker will produce Olympic Light (No6, R9), one of the Montjeus, a sire who has had a question mark over him here given the performance of his stock in the Northern Hemisphere. Olympic Light has become more solid as a 3-year-old and as tracks eased. He was beaten a long neck by Cullcha on this track when resuming on June 28 and can be forgiven for failing on that shocking track at Manawatu. The step to 1600m should be a boost.

Ashkala (No1) will probably start favourite because of her consistent form. Kool Hand Luke (No9) left maidens well enough on this track to be accorded a chance and Frilly Milly (No2) and Karaka Belle (No3) are solid backups.

Leg 6: Congaline (No5, R10) won at Ruakaka last start. He is stepping up a grade for this, but the way he finished off the last 120m up north left little doubt he would cope in better fields. Sadie Belle (No1) is dropping back in class, Gold Member (No2) is more capable than his last placing at Ruakaka suggests and visitor Kaimanawa (No9) has been hitting the line strongly.

THE FIRST LEGS:

Leg 1: Wouldn't it be nice if after all Trevor McKee has given to racing that he went out with a winner on his last day as a trainer. O'Reilly's Jewel (No14, R5) is close to providing that. She covered a lot of ground before being narrowly beaten at Ruakaka last start and although drawn wide again, Craig Grylls should get a chance to slot her in more comfortably.

Bobby Dazzler (No1) has been pressing for a win and Long Black (No2), although dropping back in distance, has twice been placed at 1600m and twice on this course. Difficult to know if the track conditions will suit Storm Dash (No3).

Leg 2: Trevor and Stephen McKee have a chance with Quartze (No1, R6). He is very fit after a series of minor placings in five starts since his last victory. His two wins have been on heavy tracks, but the improved conditions this time should not inconvenience him. The Rumba (No2), Anne Boleyn (No3) and Bringbackthebiff (No8) all have claims.

Leg 3: Ex Ex Al (No7, R7) will start $2 favourite, but be careful. He still has to overcome his tendency to take a long wind up. All five wins have been on very heavy tracks and if he is slow to get going today, something could get a break on him. Anchor him if you need to, but if not, take Leica Guv (No1), Shanamann (No3) and Alls Well (No2) as insurance.