Trentham G1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks, NZ$400,000, 2400m
Sentimental Miss (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) looks well-suited to this trip following her fast-finishing second in the G2 Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic two runs back. No notice should be taken of her unplaced effort in the G2 Lowland S. where she suffered an interrupted run.
Queen Of Diamonds (NZ) (Savabeel) won that Hastings feature in a canter from a wide gate and she will need to be at the top of her game after again drawing a horror gate.
Imelda Mary (NZ) (Ferlax {NZ}) is tough and genuine and her form line is hard to fault after winning the Sir Tristram and closing off late for third in the Lowland.
Pinmedown (NZ) was an upset winner of the G2 Eight Carat and following two misses she bounced back to land the G3 Sunline Vase. Trainer Mike Moroney and Pam Gerard are confident she can run a strong 2400 metres.
Savvy Yong Blonk (NZ) (Savabeel) has been running her races out strongly and adds to the form puzzle while Clementina (NZ) (Savabeel) has also displayed that same quality in her light career.
Listed Oaks Prelude winner Elate (NZ) (Savabeel) has to be taken on trust after pulling up last in the Sunline Vase with a heart issue. Jakkalbomb (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}) might be the better chance as she’s honest and bred to get this trip.
King Louis to rule
Trentham G2 Norwood Family Wellington Guineas, NZ$100,000, 1400m
King Louis (NZ) (Equiano {Fr}) was a dashing winner of the G3 Mongolian Khan Trophy before he botched the start in the Listed Mufhasa S. and did well to finish fifth.
He is a strapping type, well-suited to the roomy Trentham track and looks a strong chance in an open affair.
Dawn Patrol (NZ) (Dawn Approach {Ire}) has only been seen once since running second in the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas. He finished runner-up in the Listed Uncle Remus S. and has since won a trial. He acts best on left-handed tracks and is a quality customer.
Qiji Express (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) ran 1300 metres out strongly enough to win the Mufhasa to suggest this distance is within his range. An interesting runner in the unbeaten Vigor Winner (Declaration Of War {USA}), who has been untested in two outings and has trialled well in his lead-up.
Igraine’s class to tell
Trentham G3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle S., NZ$70,000, 1600m
Igraine (Ger) (Galileo {Ire}) won the G3 Counties Cup during her last campaign and her class can be seen to advantage. The distance is short of her best, but she has been freshened and has previously starred in that condition.
Livin’ On A Prayer (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) closed well for sixth in the G3 Waikato Stud Plate and a further easing of the track will see her ideally-suited.
Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) is a promising mare facing her stiffest test. She is in the right form to rise to the challenge with effortless wins at her last two starts. Tinkalicious (NZ) (Nadeem) was impressive last time out and a chance at odds for a slice of the action.
Sampson to show his strength
Trentham Listed Yealands Family Wines NZ St Leger, NZ$ 50,000, 2600m
Proven stayer Sampson (NZ) (Dubai Destination) has been racing well enough to suggest he can excel again at this distance.
Special Light (Redoute’s Choice) is making impressive progress and chasing her fourth consecutive success while stablemate Anarchy (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) was a dour last-start winner and this trip should suit her. The Boy Wonder (NZ) (Cape Blanco {Ire}) is a chance to boost multiples.
Topweight a strong chance
Trentham Listed gavelhouse.com Lightning H., NZ$50,000m 1200m
Signify (NZ) (Perfectly Ready) has the weight, but deserves it as a Group 1 winner over this course and distance. His recent form suggests he can add to his record here.
Princess Kereru (NZ) (Pins) impressed with her effort to win the G3 Waikato Stud Plate while Passing Shot (NZ) (Swiss Ace) is seasoned and hard to catch if left alone. Ferrando (NZ) (Fast ‘N’ Famous) would prefer a drier track and is a class act when he gets conditions to suit.
Pelican to swoop
Flemington G3 TBV Thoroughbred Breeders’ S., $160,000, 1200m
Pelican (NZ) (Fastnet Rock) has only been beaten once and that was when sixth behind the G1 Golden Slipper S. contender Lyre (Lonhro) in the G2 Blue Diamond Prelude.
Talented (Snitzel) won well at Geelong and she came home strongly to run second in the G3 Talindert S. and an effort that puts her firmly in the picture in this.
Varda (Lonhro) faces a rise in class, but her debut win suggested she can shape up while Invincible Lotus (I Am Invincible) has a similar profile after a first-up victory at Seymour.
Payne has the aces
Flemington Listed Seppelt Wines March S., $140,000 1400m
Patrick Payne holds a strong hand with his in-form pair of Widgee Turf (Turffontein) and Chamois Road (Choisir). Both are racing well and are course and distance winners.
Manolo Blahniq (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) was a Listed winner during his last preparation and has trialled pleasingly ahead of this and Plein Ciel (Ger) (Mamool {Ire}) is fresh and is a past first-up winner to consider.
Adornment one to beat
Ascot Listed Natasha S., $100,000, 2200m
The Grant and Alana Williams-trained Adornment (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) is in a rich vein of form and a strong chance to complete a hat-trick of wins. She won’t have it easy with the topweight and widest barrier, but she does have William Pike in the saddle.
Stairwaytothemnoon (Blackfriars) beat the older horses over ground last time out, a strong pointer here, while stablemate Assetro (Blackfriars) was sixth in the Listed 1000 Guineas and the extra trip here is likely to be in her favour. Vinaceous (NZ) (Savabeel) is promising and a chance at longer odds.
Regal chance again
Ascot Listed Schweppes JC Roberts Plate, $100,000, 1800m
Regal Power (Pierro) gives the Williams stable and Pike a top chance in this following his strong win in the Listed Lex Piper S. The extra tip here shouldn’t bother him.
Barn mates Final Hearing (Reset) and Strong Heart (Reset) are both genuine and Fred Dagg (Patronize) was runner-up in the Piper so deserves respect again.
Fresh is best for Tyzone
Gold Coast Listed TAB Goldmarket, $125,000 1200m
Tyzone (Written Tycoon) is back from a break and he’s got a smart fresh record – three first-up wins and is also proven over this course and distance. Mr Marbellouz (Love Conquers All) was an effortless last-start winner at Doomben to put himself in contention here.
Divine Dice (Casino Prince) is in good touch and a touch of luck from an awkward gate can seem him competitive again while Tyzone’s stablemate From Within (Not A Single Doubt) will appreciate a drop in class after finding the G3 Oakleigh Plate a step too far.
