By MIKE DILLON
Star Satire is going to take some keeping out with only 49.5kg on her back at Te Rapa today.
The $40,000 Gasmate Stakes could be a consolation cheque for the one that unluckily got away in the $150,000 Bayer Classic last start.
Star Satire is the only 3-year-old filly in today's field and with her ability to stay handy and sprint hard, her light weight will become a crucial factor.
You can imagine Integrate sitting somewhere on the speed from her No 2 barrier, challenging early in the home straight and leading at some point. She is all heart and class, but if she lack something it is the dash to run 50m as quickly as the likes of Star Satire, which could leave her vulnerable to a final sprint. Tall Poppy is a real danger. Rain has not helped her chances in recent starts and if she gets a firm surface, watch the real Tall Poppy stand up.
How can they beat Run Forest Run (No1, R2) in a field of maidens bar two runners. He gave the impression he could be anything when overcoming difficulties to win at Ellerslie last start and while he gets 57.5kg, he deserves it and looks extremely well placed. Treasure Chest (No3) and Baccarat (No2) will be trifecta chances.
Vinaka (No1, R3) will take beating in the juvenile, but Warrior Prince (No2) looks a youngster of real ability. He was stiff not to win on debut at Avondale, sitting outside the leaders then copping a big bump in the home straight before finishing third. Vinaka has the advantage of the No1 barrier, but the last 75m could be very interesting.
Rooney (No2, R4) has come a long way quickly and will have appreciated freshening since his third in open company at Riccarton last month. The No2 barrier draw could be the key. If he can stay reasonably handy, his sprint should take him close. Shadow Man (No11) is a good roughie.
Starina (No9, R6) will be at short odds and deserves to be after her luckless second on Avondale Cup day. She has been crying out for 2400m and it is difficult to see how they can hold out her terrific finishing dash at that distance on this track. Tycoon's Gold (No11) is a trifecta value runner.
It is always difficult tipping a horse to win a race like the Waikato Gold Cup that has not raced in open company, but Blazing (No15, R7) looks to have that sort of potential. He could be a very special stayer and with 53kg should test the more proven stayers. This is a nightmare trifecta race with a case to be made for and against most runners. Desert Rain (No6) looked back in form winning at last week's Counties trials after failing to settle into a new stable in Melbourne and Bluebird The Word (No2) deserves a turn.
From barrier No 13 One Under (No8, R8) has a tough job in her first start since April, but at least she showed some level of fitness when getting home narrowly in a battling finish to win a barrier trial at Te Aroha 11 days ago. She is all class and might be simply too good, despite the barrier draw. The horse she fought it out with at the trials, Thee Old Dragon (No11), deserves consideration. She is a tough tart at best.
Ismailia (No5, R9) has had no luck and deserves a winning turn and Xtrabar (No14, R10) produced a brilliant finishing burst into second last start which suggested he can go close with an additional 200m this time.
Racing: Weight will help Star shine
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