Savvy 3YO prospect
Eagle Farm, G3 Mullins Grand Prix S., $250,000, 2206m
Savvy Valentino (NZ) (Savabeel) has looked promising in a staying role for trainer Bjorn Baker with minor placings over ground in his last three appearances.
He has been racing with great credit against older opposition and looks ideally suited in age group company. He has a tricky gate, but will appreciate the roomy Eagle Farm track.
Chains Of Honour (Redoute’s Choice) is bred to stay as a son of the G1 VRC Oaks winner Faint Perfume (Shamardal {USA}). He was a first-up winner over 1800 metres at Hawkesbury and will be ridden by the in-form Mark Zahra.
Don’t Waiver (Not A Single Doubt) is a genuine customer and he will appreciate some weight relief after carrying 59kg when a last-start second at Doomben.
Mission Phoenix (Reset) has won two of her three starts, including success over 2000 metres at Kembla Grange last time out while Smart Meteor (Smart Missile) has won his last two so his chances also have to be taken seriously.
Spurred on by last win
Eagle Farm, Listed Magic Millions Falvelon Quality, $140,000, 1200m
Spurcraft (Jet Spur) resumed in fine style when he led all the way to claim top honours in the Listed Bribie S. He is a past second-up winner and from an inside gate should give another bold sight.
Badajoz (Commands) was runner-up in the Bribie and is better placed at the weights and alongside Isaurain (Exceed And Excel) and Intuition (Street Cry {Ire}) gives trainer James Cummings a strong hand.
Tactical Advantage (Bel Esprit) was a stakes winner at Flemington two runs back and then finished runner-up in The Gong. With luck from an awkward gate he can continue his good form while a trial win showed the talented Scallopini (Snitzel) is primed to shine following a break.
Niccanova (Nicconi) is back in trip, but is a course and distance winner while one for longer odds might be Sandbar (Snitzel). He was unplaced last time out, but was a smart winner at his previous start and Brad Widdup’s team is going well.
Regal chance
Ascot, G2 Ted Van Heemst S., $250,000, 2100m
Regal Power (Pierro) won the G1 Railway S. two runs back before he made late ground for sixth in the G1 Kingston Town S. after dropping back from an outside gate.
He won’t be giving this small line-up such a start and looks the way to go with his stablemate Mississippi Delta (High Chaparral {Ire}) also not without a chance. She will appreciate the step up in distance.
Regal Power
Gatting (Hard Spun {USA}) isn’t quite in the form that won him the G1 Makybe Diva S. in the spring, but there was enough in his run for fifth in the Kingston Town to suggest he’s approaching his best again.
Ambitious (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) was well off the pace during his last campaign, although a change of stables can often rejuvenate an older horse. The remaining two runners Star Exhibit (Statue Of Liberty {USA}) and Spiritual Warrior (Blackfriars) would need to show major improvement to make an impact.
Mare to fly high
Ascot, Listed Starstruck Classic, $100,000, 1600m
Like A Butterfly (Blackfriars) was a gallant runner-up when resuming in the Listed Jungle Dawn and there’s a strong case to be made for her to go one better. She has won second-up in the past and is drawn to get a sweet run.
Snowchino (Maschino) was third in the Jungle Dawn after making the play in front and third-up should be at peak fitness. Electric Light (Vital Equine {Ire}) was a flop last time out, but should be given a second chance and her Listed Jungle Mist win might be a better guide.
Perfect Jewel (Redoute’s Choice) was a handy last-start fourth and a place chance at worst while Midnight Sky (Myboycharlie {Ire}) ran well at her most recent appearance and a repeat effort gives her a chance at a slice of the pie.
A challenge awaits
Awapuni, G2 Kamada Park Manawatu Challenge S., NZ$100,000, 1400m
Rock On Wood (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) faces the sternest test of his fledgling career with a step up to weight-for-age competition and he will have to be right at the top of his game.
His resuming win, his sixth from just 10 appearances, was impressive and he accounted for the subsequent G1 Captain Cook S. hero Wyndspelle (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}).
His chief rival looms as Shadows Cast (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) and he’s a hardened top level performer and in the right touch after his gallant runner-up finish in the Captain Cook. He also has the home track advantage and is sure to run well.
Shadows Cast (NZ)
Outside the top two fancies, it’s not a strong line-up with Magnum (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) a decent chance and proved with his last-start Pukekohe success that he can run a strong mile. Opie Bosson retains the ride and that’s a major plus.
Secret Allure (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) wasn’t far away in the G2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile. She will have to improve though, but an easing of the track will suit her more than most.
Southern visitor Kiwi Ida (Squamosa) is in terrific form and two runs back got home strongly for a close third in the G3 Canterbury Breeders’ S. She followed that up with victory in an open sprint and in her current touch is capable of getting a slice of the action.
Up and comer fancied
Awapuni, G3 Aberdeen On Broadway Manawatu Cup, NZ$100,000, 2300m
Yatima (NZ) (Savabeel) is a progressive mare and she appeals as a strong lightweight chance following her strong late finish for fourth in the Listed Wanganui Cup at the last time of asking.
The extra distance and the roomier track will be to the 5-year-old’s advantage and the genuine High Quality (NZ) (Handsome Ransom) is up in class, but he will drop 5.5kg on his last run for fourth.
At the opposite end of the scale is Dolcetto (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}), who will carry the topweight of 60kg, but he is used to lumping big weights and is dropping back from Group 1 company.
Dolcetto (NZ)
Hunta Pence (NZ) (No Excuse Needed {GB}) came back to form with a fine run for second in the Wanganui Cup and he’s a versatile type with a record that shows he can handle all types of going.
The same can’t be said of the talented mare Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) though, and she needs a good surface. Provided that is the case, she will be a major threat and forget Toms’ (NZ) (Towkay) last-start failure when luckless in the G3 Counties Cup. His previous win in the Listed Feilding Cup is a more reliable guide.
