The once a year racetrack is iconic on the West Coast and known for the famous January feature, the Kumara Gold Nuggets race celebratiing the 100th running. As a popular summer meeting in New Zealand it is renowned for its atmosphere and local kai. In recent years the track has undergone a major overhaul resulting in an excellent racing surface, but it is a small tight circuit and challenging

KUMARA GOLD NUGGETS

RACE 8 - 1810

BOZO / SUNSET BOULEVARD / THE HANGOVER

The annual Gold Nuggets is a time honoured race on the West Coast synonymous with a big day out for all locals and holiday makers and visiting trainers typically do well. BOZO came out and won the Miss Scenicland at Greymouth after racing three wide from the 800m and made it look easy when cruising away to win over the 1500m. But he is the NZ Cup winner, obviously fit as a fiddle, so it was no surprise. Stablemate the issue and a hard track, although 3kg claim will help.

☆☆☆☆

Kevin Myers also had SUNSET BOULEVARD win over 2000m at Greymouth and it was a pretty game victory, which sets him up perfectly for the Nuggets. Two super wins over that distance down at Riccarton over Cup week so has returned from a short break in top order. Can get one over stablemate BOZO, but this is s tight track and the draw is awkward. He will appreciate a hard track and can take rhis out with the right run. Myers quinella looks on the cards and hard to split.

☆☆☆☆

Out of the southerners, maybe THE HANGOVER from the Dennis stable is the best chance leaving from a tidy inside gate with only 53kg on his back. The ZACINTO gelding would probably like some give in the track and unlikely to get that, although these odds seem generous enough for a place and the last start 3rd over 1335m at Gore was promising after looming up wide out. Can run on late if preserved for one big run and not entirely out of this.

☆☆

RATING 80 BENCHMARK

RACE 3 - 1150m

ILLICIT DREAMS / EXPRESS COUP / CANDLE

The Kenny Rae trained ILLICIT DREAMS has the speed to blow them of the park here, and at this trip with the 3kg claim, will be hard to hold out. EXPRESS COUP has placed at Kumara and the Pitman's could have the mare up for this fresh. Serious ability when right, so keep safe. Former northerner CANDLE was solid for 2nd over 1100m at Greymouth last start and isn't out of this contest. Looms as a major threat - soft ok.

RATING 75 BENCHMARK

RACE 9 - 1810

TEXAS / COGNOSCENTI / RICHIE'S DREAM

TEXAS showed his true ability when winning impressively at Ellerslie last season, but can be hot and cold. Much better last start when 4th at Reefton with Tina.com on, but needs a Good 4 to shine. Te Akau runner COGNOSCENTI should be kept safe as a very in and out type. Likes to be on the pace which will help here. RICHIE'S DREAM is also somewhat unpredictable but has placed at Kumara and can run close to the speed. The upset horse.

BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP

RACE 7 - 1810m

PINKER / SPEED DIAL / MISS SETH

Team Myers bring down PINKER to Kumara who won over the mile at Otaki in Dec, then 4th when fractious at Greymouth. Awkwardly drawn, but could have a bit on these with a wise Tina steer. Love these odds on the Didham trained SPEED DIAL who has been runner up the last two. Better horse then given credit for and can win. MISS SETH was very good twice up at Ruakaka for Kenny Rae before coming south. Ace gate and worth throwing in at these silly odds.

BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP

RACE 6 - 1810m

O'ROIRDAN / LEINSTER / RUFFHOUSE ROSIE

The PROISIR mare O'ROIRDAN has been around the mark lately and can run a big one over the trip. Always seems just a touch off them, although running handy will aide on this circuit. LEINSTER looks close to winning for Myers and game for 3rd over 1400m at Reefton last start. Tricky gate. RUFFHOUSE ROSIE is super consistent and has won over the trip at Kumara. Some give in the track would be a bonus.

BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP

RACE 4 - 1150m

EL VAQUERO / CHICAGO DREAM / GROVE STREET

The Pitman's have the 3yo colt EL VAQUERO in this and he doesn't look out of place. Been a bit off, but bred for speed and that works here on the coast. CHICAGO DREAM is heading in the right direction for Kenny Rae and has the gate speed to overcome this wide gate. GROVE STREET broke through for a win at Omoto last start and is another bred to go fast. Can get on with it here and try to stretch them.