ARROWFIELD STUD PLATE

RACE - 1600m WFA

11. SKEW WIFF ($4.20 - $1.80)

Racing returns to the Hawkes Bay for the second major NZ Group 1 feature of the season, and there are quite a few strong chances starting here, even though a number of stars aren't appearing, like Crocetti, Orchestral and Grail Seeker. SKEW WIFF has returned in excellent form, although its performance was hindered by the Heavy track conditions during the Foxbridge Plate (1200m) race at Te Rapa. Despite these challenges, SKEW WIFF still managed to secure a commendable third place finish behind Bonny Lass, demonstrating resilience and potential. Returning to Hasting on September 7th, the mare finished solidly in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) after an awkward trail, eventually getting into at the clear at the 300m. The concussion plates were used on the front for the first time, so it will be interesting to see if they persistent with them. It is likely she has taken a little longer to come back up, but should be well primed for this assignment. SKEW WIFF did win the 2023 Gr.3 HKJ Club Stakes (1400m) on Melbourne Cup day shortly after following this same route, then found the Aussie competition a bit too rich for her liking. The five-year-old Savabeel mare does deserve further glory and is bred to compete at the highest level. This is her pet distance and she looks a great win chance.

PEARL OF ALSACE ($13) could be a threat after a run up at Ruakaka where she stormed home late. The Peter Vela owned Tavistock mare was hampered early and had to shift ground, but we know how good she is. It's taken a while for the Shaun Ritchie camp to get her back to full fitness due to wet tracks slowing the progress, but it does look like this is her target race that will decide whether another Australian sojourn is on. Be very wary.

If ONE BOLD CAT ($18) starts here then that will be our roughie. Put in huge strides on an unsuitable heavy track at Whanganui for 3rd, then missed a run due to the abandoned meeting at Taranaki. Better off on a Good surface and on his day he is an exceptional Robbie Patterson trained miler who may be better suited to the Livomal distance of 2040m. The bloodlines says he should stay all day and a fast run 1600m would be ideal. He can run down any of these with Opie Bosson aboard if allowed a soft trail back in the field from gate (12). Will be boxing all three in Quinella and Trifecta for a big return.

☆☆☆☆

11. SKEW WIFF

13. PEARL OF ALSACE

4. ONE BOLD CAT

12. FARAGLIONI

HAWKES BAY GUINEAS G2

RACE 5 - 1400m 3YO SW

4. SUPER PHOTON ($13.00 - $3.30)

The Super Seth colt gets another shot in a top cailbre race after two reasonable runs back. He first ran 2nd to the high Class SAVAGLEE ($4.60) at Taupo fresh up which was an excellent effort, followed by a 4th here at Hastings in the Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m). The Marsh trained colt was three wide throughout and fought on well, with POETIC CHAMPION ($6.50) taking the spoils. He will be extra tough to beat again, but we can expect SUPER PHOTON to run an improved race from a tidy draw. He is a beautifully bred colt being out of an O'Reilly mare in Chandelier. Her dam by Centaine, Seraphic (Imposing) on the mothers side won 8 races, including a 2nd to Surfers Paradise in the G2 WFA New Zealand Stakes (2000m) and 6th to Castletown in the 1992 Auckland Cup (3200m). There is sprinting and staying pedigree in the lineage so he should continue to power up the further he goes - 1600m may be perfect. Although prone to over-racing, he should be learning and maturing with each run. Probably does lack the experience of a few others, but its impossible to ignore the raw talent. May need more time as one of the least experienced, but has the ability to win it, and if not then can just run an improved race charging late.

☆☆☆

RACE 1 - 2100m (BM65)

6. ROCK UP RALPH ($20.00 - $6.00) Disappointing run last start but possibly on an unsuitable sticky track. Is much better then that and even from an awkward draw can run a better race. Willing to risk at these odds on a firm surface and see if Ralph can wind up late and run into the money. Sticking with just to see how well he goes on the Hastings track.

ROBYN McTAGGERT CUP

Race 3 - 1300m

2. MASTER FAY/ 3. WILD NIGHT

Very difficult race to evaluate, but MASTER FAY comes into this off the back of some very strong trackwork earlier in the week. BOTH are nominated in the same race at Te Rapa Friday - turn up in the Bay and take seriously. Win chance but a few here are very good. Slightly better odds on WILD NIGHT and there's no denying her class. Ran with the very best 3yos of her year. After being sidelined through injury, he is looking to resume his career in confident fashion, if he can secure a decent trip from barrier (11). Can win fresh up if forward enough and foolish to ommit. To be honest, the Walker/Bergerson trained star galloper with Opie on looks a great chance after a couple of trials and could dick this lot.

Race 6 - 1200m (BM75)

4. DECEMBER ($4.50 - $1.85) Good sprinter fresh that can take this out. Top stable, top jockey - likely to run well with a clean exit from the gates. Has won 3 from 6, with the stable taking their sweet time nurturing this geldings talent. Outclassed by high calibre thoroughbreds at Pukekohe and Ellerslie last summer, but returned after a break to win at Taupo in March, then turned out again after a poor run in a G3 at Te Rapa. We know he can win but may find the pinch late in the race.

Race 8 - 2000m

12. KATTEGAT ($34.00 - $7.50)

Up in grade but have some time for this horse and capable of springing a surprise. Was sold on Gavelhouse for a megre $1000 so a nice bargin who has won $37,000 in 10 starts. Whether this ‘cheap’ racehorse is up for this is a bit of guesswork, but being by Redwood has some nice staying characteristics. Her dam, Gould was trained by the Freedman's and only totalled three career runs, however she was by Danehill Dancer (IRE). Claims down to 51kg and has won only run at the distance. Ran brilliantly for 3rd on a heavy track fresh up and the step up should suit perfectly. Has a few quirks but is much better then a $34 shot. Upset of the weekend and a big call, but go big or go home we reckon.

RACE 9 - 1600m

8. STILL BANGON ($9.50 - $3.20)

Not saying this mare wins 2nd up as may require more racing, but has a touch of class about her. Rotton draw, however if that first blowout has cleaned her up then could run an improved race. Willing be keeping very safe. Won 2 from 3 at the distance and course may suit well for late swoopers at this point in the day. Not the worst E/W play to end the day.