Racing: Strong leadup form

Joey Massino is the highest-rated runner in the Avondale Guineas. Photo / Richard Robinson

If you're looking for lead-up form races for tomorrow's $85,000 Avondale Guineas you don't have to go past Finderskeepers.

The impressive 3-year-old started his career with two dashing victories.

He might have been beaten in his only two subsequent efforts, but they have been in probably the best two form races around.

Finderskeepers could not hold out a finishing effort of Katie Lee in the Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa two starts, but subsequent efforts by the flying Katie Lee have proved nothing can withstand her talent and class.

Last start at Tauranga, Finderskeepers similarly yielded to another remarkable finish, this time from Prince of Wales, another outstanding 3-year-old.

This time, he has nothing of the class of Katie Lee and Prince Of Wales to worry about. Prince Of Wales is an acceptor, but he will be running in the Captain Cook Stakes at Trentham.

Finderskeepers has to stretch to 1600m this time, but take no notice of the fact he has been run down twice at 1400m.

He has been swamped rather than being vulnerable at the distance and should have no real trouble with the 1600m tomorrow.

One of the real improvers among the 3-year-olds is Veronica Franco.

The Cambridge filly's recent wins have been only in maiden and R70 grade, but they have been stylish in their determination.

She looked unlucky not to win twice in strong company as a juvenile last season and is twice proven at the 1600m.

Veronica Franco's No 13 barrier draw looks awkward on paper, but there is a long run down the back straight from the 1600m startling point at Avondale and Andrew Calder should get an opportunity to get her buried in mid-field.

The interesting runner is the highest rated horse in the field, Joey Massino. He ran a terrific race when fourth to Keyora in the Hawkes Bay Guineas after working incredibly hard to get across to the front off an electric speed early.

Perhaps he was feeling that effort when he finished an ordinary 10th, although only 3.5 lengths away, to Katie Lee in the Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa next start.

Whether that's the case or not, be bounced back well with a brave front-running R85 win at Riccarton at the recent carnival.

From this starting point the No 10 gate should be no impediment to him getting over to somewhere near the lead.

The value could come from Star of Kings.

He was caught three deep without cover at Ellerslie last week and was still only 1.5 lengths from impressive winner Martial Art.

It was a brave effort and with the expectation of a better passage this time he could be right in it.

Celtic Fantasy has won both his starts and Tanha Strike was hugely impressive winning on debut at Dargaville.