No decent reason not to start at the beginning today and Race 1 could be one of the better bets at Te Rapa.
Reliable Lad has impressed in compiling three minor placings from as many race appearances. He has got home nicely in each and will be well suited by stepping up in distance to today's 1600m. He has drawn well and should take advantage of the fact early races in Te Rapa programmes are generally won by horses on pace.
A throw at the stumps in Race 2. Karm 'N' Easy (No5) is a first starter from Stephen Marsh's stable. He has had four barrier trials and looked to have improved in the last of them, which resulted in a second at Cambridge. He is out of a mare by Keeper, so cut in the ground should not be a problem. Badea (No8) is an improver.
Ole Ole (No1, R3) has ability and has been stiff not to win one of his three starts. He was narrowly and unluckily beaten this track last start, drawing wide and comes out of the rails barrier this time. Stablemate Peaceful (No5) looks the danger.
Wooden Edge (No2, R6) is unbeaten when fresh and starts his winter campaign today. Additionally, he has won two of his three starts on this track.
