Counting House (No2, R1) is a promising maiden even if he started his career quite late. That was a good second at the last Ruakaka meeting and his step from 1200m to 1400m looks ideal. Opulent (No10) has drawn wide, but if Matt Cameron can find her some sort of decent trip she should be in it.
Hasselhoof (No2, R2) has impressed in winning at the barrier trials, but has drawn a horror barrier for his race debut. He is by Tavistock from a Zabeel mare, so he is probably going to be capable of doing some work from the wide gate and still finish off. He's worth taking the risk on because if he's beaten you'll get it back eventually. Sonobella (No 10) has ability.
Race 3 is not easy, but Flyinby (No3) has won two of his last three.
He likes this course and will appreciate the decent footing. There are chances everywhere in the field and one is local Thornbird Lass (No9).
Britt Ekland (No6, R4) looked as though she required 1400m when third fresh from a break over 1200m at Ellerslie last start. She comes into this nicely with Brendan Hutton's 2kg allowance and should be difficult to hold out at the end of the 1400m.
Local D'Cash Man (No5) and One Cool Message (No4) are chances for multiples.
The performance of Rockwell (No1, R5) will be interesting. He looked exceptional winning on debut, but things have not gone as swimmingly since. He comes in fresh here, has Opie Bosson aboard and has drawn nicely. Don't disregard him. Heeby Jeeby (No12) won't win the prize for the best named horse on the day, but she can win this race.
Flower Bomb (No3, R6) found 57kg just a touch too much behind Twilight Dragon last start at Ellerslie and looks much better placed with 54.5kg after an apprentice allowance. She also has a nice barrier and even though there is a fair bit of talent in this race, she will be super competitive. Antonio Lombardo (No2) and Spin Doctor (No1) are classy and Guevara (No4) is the value runner.
Race 7 is the toughest race on the card. If forced to have a bet (is there such a thing) Secret's Only (No2) is as good as any.
Biggin Hill (No1, R8) can produce a few tricks out of a hat and some of them have got him beaten at times, but Zinjete Moki did a good job on him to get him home here at the last Ruakaka meeting. She brings his 60kg down to 57kg, only 1kg more than last start and puts him in with a chance again. Sir Darci (No2) was unlucky last start and has a nice barrier. Aimees Babe (No10) is another winner from the last meeting here.
Playboy Prince (No4, R9) is another with a few tricky up his sleeve, but has surprised more than a few with his form lately. Rogan Norvall knows him now and should counteract a little of his waywardness.
Plenty of opportunity for an upset here and Charlie Farley (No1) could help provide it.
Cagliari (No11, R11) looks a filly on the improve. She has now drawn perfectly, but gets to the line strongly and is a top chance if she gets anything like a decent passage mid-race.
Hollywood Lad (No2) will appreciate the better conditions.
• Alyssa Schwerin has come to rely on Spin Doctor. The Stephen McKee-trained sprinter has been a constant in the Auckland apprentice's career, providing her with her first win - back in July last year - and her most recent - at Te Rapa last month.
In three rides aboard the Pins seven-year-old gelding, Schwerin has yet to taste defeat and she's hoping nothing changes in today's Whangarei ITM 1200 at Ruakaka.
"I ride him every day and I'm definitely pretty attached to him," she said. "He's such an easy horse to ride. You could put anyone on him and he'll still run well."
A winner of 12 of his 42 starts and Group One-placed in the NRM Sprint at Te Rapa in February, Spin Doctor has twice won at Ruakaka in eight appearances. TAB bookmakers installed Spin Doctor as an equal $5.50 third favourite with To Be Sure, behind $4.80 joint favourites Antonio Lombardo and Flower Bomb.
"I'm hoping he'll win again. He'll put his best foot forward again anyway," Schwerin said.
Schwerin's other two rides at Ruakaka are on the McKee-trained Flavouring and the Bryce Cottle-trained Flicka Of Gold.
- Additional reporting: NZ Racing Desk
