Racing: Wheeler's trip should be worthwhile

Today at Ellerslie really belongs to the jumpers, but if you can concentrate for a moment on the flat horses, Johnny D'Cash is worth a look.

This track today may not provide the heavy footing he prefers, but Johnny D'Cash, in Race 4, shows extreme promise.

If visiting trainer John Wheeler doesn't have a big day today then there's nothing in numbers. Wheeler has a big team engaged and can win multiple races. The first of them could be the opener with Cross Lease (No 3, R1), a horse he rates highly. Cross Lease has had only three hurdle races for one placing, but Wheeler gives him a real chance today.

The Taranaki trainer could be in the winner's circle again in Race 2 with El Patron (No 2). He chased his talented stablemate Orpheus home in a hurdle race - only his second - at Awapuni last start and will find this easier.

Orpheus (No 8, R5) is jumping up from hurdling to have his first steeplechase over the big Ellerslie fences today and Wheeler is confident he can continue his good form.

Wheeler has been sweating on the Ellerslie track improving for Governor Bois (No 7, R6). He won his two hurdling starts at the Riccarton carnival, but is best suited on the better ground he will strike today.

If Fair King (No 3, R8) is going to win a major 'chase it should be today. After placings in this race in the past two years and last year's Great Northern, he certainly deserves victory.

The sprint, Race 9, could be the trap of the day with staying types Boundless (No 3) and Mr Tipsy (No 4) resuming. Mr Tipsy might be the best option after two recent trials.