Racing: Sunstrike may shine at Avondale

It's something of an "off week" in the north after several high-profile racedays, so horses who have been competing strongly in perhaps better races make a lot of appeal.

And you have to include those who have impressed as horses on the way through at the slightly lesser meetings.

One of those is Sunline's daughter Sunstrike, who might always be best known for her breeding than her ability, but that's not to say she lacks it.

Sunstrike was beaten into second at Ruakaka last start and that was fair enough, but there was a lot to like about her second the time before to Miss Raggedy Ann at Te Aroha.

She has had a win and five placings from nine starts, so she's no mug and should be difficult to cope with today.

The No 1 draw is interesting. On firm conditions that's a major plus - given the way this track might race, that's not a given, particularly in Race 7. Attention to establishing that the inside runners are faring okay in this part of the programme will be important.

One of the good prospects at Avondale looks to be Road To Rio in the Mondiale Freight 1600.

She has been turning in terrific races with no luck and this field looks a bit easier than she's been facing. She makes it tough for herself by being slow early, but her determination late in a race is huge.

A second last start to He Kin Roc at Pukekohe is enough to make Spiriting a big hope in the fourth event, The Falls Restaurant & Cafe 2200,

Castle Heights, Foundation, Heat Haze and Fistral Bay all look interesting for Te Rapa, but they will be fully covered in tomorrow morning's Weekend Herald.