HERBIE DYKE STAKES G1

RACE 6 - 2000m WFA

KNOBELAS / LEGARTO / EL VENCEDOR

Victorian trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have paid the late entry fee for KNOBELAS to compete in the $750,000 Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes, following her recent commendable third-place finish in the Gr.3 Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie. Craig Williams told connections Knobelas should have won had he shifted wider in the straight, rather than trying to pick paths through traffic. The OTI-trained BELARDO mare flashed home late behind the classy TUXEDO after some fine Melbourne form and was unlucky in her last run over the mile at Flemington when badly held up before crossing the ditch. Looks a classy horse with plenty of upside, so well worth following in here with Stackhouse in the saddle.

☆☆☆☆

LEGARTO didn't really appreciate the soft track conditions in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile at Trentham last start, but still managed a credible 4th place following a 3rd to KINGSWOOD in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. The six-year-old, already credited with earnings of more than NZ$2 million, has been not far off the best in Group ones this prep, with 5th in the Howden Mile and 4th in the Mufhasa Classic back in December. Legarto was withdrawn from the Livamol due to a niggling hoof issue resulting from constant wet spring ground, but the Kelso's will be keen to see the PROISIR mare score a black-type victory this campaign and she is certainly talented enough to take this out. Firm track the key and Opie has taken over the reins.

☆☆☆

EL VENCEDOR presented in excellent physical condition during our recent assessment at Ellerslie; however, concerns persist regarding his current disposition compared to the previous term. The seven-year-old SHOCKING gelding was in barnstorming form this time last season, winning the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke, Otaki-Maori Classic and the Bonecrusher Stakes. Run down late by WAITAK in the Livamol and the same when MARY SHAN bolted home to nail him on the line at Ellerslie, so not as dominant this campaign. Raced wide in the early stages of the Zabeel Classic on Boxing day and unable to find any extra in a topsy-turvy race. Marsh may have used last week at Ellerslie merely as a warm up act, with future Group ones his main target. Beware this stable, they are ripping it up at present, and at his best, the big EV is a beast.

☆☆

BCD GROUP SPRINT G1

RACE 8 - 1200m WFA

PIER / ARKANSAW KID / TOMODACHI

PIER is a highly talented horse from the sharp Weatherley's stable who possesses a fine turn-of-foot, but couldn't take it to the brilliant, unbeaten AUTUMN GLOW in the Epsom, although still managed a credble 3rd, with only Victorian champ MR BRIGHTSIDE ahead. Finished 3rd to CEOWULF in the King Charles, and 4th to VIA SISTINA in the Mckinnon before a spell, so a powerful little package up there with the very best. The PROISIR gelding will need to be right on his game fresh up as he was when streaking away from them in the Wayne Wilson (1600m) at Eagle Farm in June. Hard ridden and kept coming for 3rd in the Theo Marks, although a Good 4 surface is what this lad needs to really shine. The team have big wraps on this horse and he can go close with the right run. Willing to take a punt and suggest he only goes well in a strong sprint field.

☆☆☆☆

ARKANSAW KID delivered a powerful performance, securing second place behind POP AWARD in the Listed Regal Roller (1200m) at Caulfield in September, and has since maintained a consistently high level of sprinting. The Hayes trained HARRY ANGEL gelding was in fine form in the spring, winning the Gr.2 Bobbie Lewis, 2nd to JIGSAW in the Meteorite at Cranbourne and 3rd in the Supernova, before a bold effort for 2nd in the Gr.1 Railway at Ellerslie on Karaka Millions night, again only pipped by his nemesis this season, JIGSAW. Trust the stable to have the polish still on, as this race seems an achievable target and the Hayes wouldn't have kept him here unless they believed a win was on the cards and Opie Bosson gains a second chance.

☆☆☆

It could be unwise to underestimate the Wexford-trained TARZINO mare TOMADACHI, who is a potent sprinter when right and went well in a tough Telegraph at Trentham. Racked up two wins this time last year at Tauranga and Ellerslie, before going on to claim the Gr.3 Rotorua Stakes (1400m) in May. Flew late for an impressive 3rd to QUINTESSA in the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) resuming in Auckland, before striking difficulty obtaining clear racing room until the 150m in the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) and that should have cleaned her up nicely for this. Tidy gate, Joe Doyle aboard and does appear a nice play at solid win odds.

☆☆

WAIKATO GUINEAS G2

RACE 4 - 2000m 3YO

YAMATO SATONA / ARTHUR / TOWERING VISION

Exciting three-year-old YAMATO SATONA will carry colours well-known to the harness racing code. A colt by SATONO ALADDIN, Yamato Satona was a $250,000 purchase at the Karaka Yearling Sales by top harness trainer Barry Purdon and his wife Katrina. They entrusted Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott with his training and while he didn’t appear as a juvenile, he showed ability from an early stage. Scored an incredible win on debut over 1400m at Rotorua back in October, where he came from near last on the home turn to gather in the front runners in the shadows of the post. Work has been very good and as long as he performs to expectations here, the colt will head to the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), then two weeks later into the Gr.1 NZ Derby.

☆☆☆☆

We don't mind a nice CAMELOT sired horse at the trip and this one ARTHUR appears to have a power of natural ability. Fought on ok at his debut run over 1200m at Ellerslie, and followed that up with a sound 2nd behind Bonecrusher Stakes winner THAT'S GOLD over 1400m at Te Aroha. Settled midfield when 3rd up to the mile in Auckland although inconvenienced at the 100m market which didn't help much. Game winning over the mile here at Te Rapa last time out and bred to be an influential stayer. The Tony Pike trained three-year-old could be ready to deliver his best performance yet, and has shown enough to be considered worthy in this line up. Craig Grylls aboard could make all the difference.

☆☆☆

TOWERING VISION has experienced some unfavourable outcomes despite racing well, and the Te Akau team anticipates a more positive performance from this CIRCUS MAXIMUS gelding at Ellerslie. Four runs as a two-year-old from last December, finishing 3rd at Te Rapa and Matamata before settling on the pace and lifting late to win the Listed Waikato Equine Stakes (1400m). Offered a solid 2nd, but never a threat to DO YOU JUST in the Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie before being turned out for six months. Trialled efficiently enough, but was slow away here over 1400m and never a factor. Jumps away well from the ace gate with Opie in the saddle, then right in this.

☆☆

ELLIS FILLIES CLASSIC G2

RACE 7 - 2100m 3YOF

OHOPE WINS / BORN TO BE ROYAL / CHILLING OUT

Highly rated staying prospect OHOPE WINS burst on the scene with a stunning performance in the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott have always had time for Ohope Wins, who went into the race as a three-start maiden but had caught the eye with her strong finishes for fifth over 1400m at Rotorua in November, fifth over 1600m at Pukekohe in December and second over 1600m at Te Rapa. Wexford is expected to target the OCEAN PARK filly for the Gr.1 Oaks, which will significantly benefit Yulong, who acquired her for their breeding program. The filly will remain in New Zealand for at least six more weeks and is anticipated to perform exceptionally well in this upcoming event. Should really come out and brain them.

☆☆☆☆☆

Back in class, BORN TO BE ROYAL only won her Maiden over 2000m at Matamata three weeks ago affer running on strongly for 3rd in the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year's Day. Placed in five of her seven starts, including the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes won by stable-mate and Champion Two-Year-Old LA DORADA, the filly handled the Heavy conditions well and has developed into a versatile racehorse. Born To Be Royal is from the first crop by Coolmore stallion KING’S LEGACY, by breed shaper Redoute’s Choice (Danehill) and is from an All American mare in FATAL RENDEZVOUS. Further enhancement is anticipated and should be near peak, positioning her as a formidable contender in this class.

☆☆☆

How good CHILLING OUT may be is hard to measure as a late starting three-year-old filly chucked in the deep end, but what we've witnessed so far has been impressive. The Andrew Forsman trained SAVABEEL filly was game breaking her maiden over 1400m at Ruakaka in December, before a huge finish to win over 1500m at Ellerslie after being held up before shifting out at the 200m. Contacted near the 300m, but did reasonably well taking on the big guns in the Listed Karaka Million 3YO to finish 8.9L 5th behind WELL WRITTEN, who stomped on them all. Based on that effort this class should be a bit easier and don't be surprised if she produces a blinder going up to a proper staying trip.

☆☆

SIR PATRICK HOGAN KARAPIRO CLASSIC

RACE 5 - 1600m

KHALEESI / THAT'S GOLD / THORAX

Stephen Marsh has bought along his worthy SAVABEEL mare KHALEESI very quietly since resuming in August after trialing once in October 2024. Finished to win well over 1400m on debut at Tauranga in December, and like a Khaleesi Dragon in Game of Thrones, she then then burnt down Ellerslie with a dominant performance over 1500m, beating home the talented GOLDEN WINGS in the process - quite topical combo. But it was impressive and she does seem incredibly gifted coming ouf of this barn.

☆☆☆☆

The Chris Wood trained THAT'S GOLD has really been thrown in the deep end of the pool and has done more than just tread water. The LUCKY VEGA gelding defeated a couple of nice types in FLEETING STAR and ARTHUR at Te Aroha, before a game finish to win the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe. Had to go back from an awkward gate in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas and he did run in into 5th behind star filly WELL WRITTEN. Hit barrier opening on at Ellerslie last start, so a 3rd place was fair - again running in very sharp company. This looks a bit easier than recent assignments, so must be in it with the in form Sam Collett riding.

☆☆☆

THORAX is a really nice type from the Patterson barn who came out and won his first two career runs and can go on with it as a highly progressive type with more to offer. The four-year-old RIBCHESTER gelding settled 3rd before improving wider to win well on his home course on debut in front of WYWORRY, before stepping up to the 1300m at Trentham and getting the job done again despite being contacted just short of the post. Ran 2nd behind a sharp Cole horse in MISS JONES at Trentham. Has the experience and thats where he holds an outright advantage if you can overlook the last start blip.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP

RACE 3 - 2100m

THE TRENDSETTER / LEVAKIA / CRACKERCOL

Stephen Marsh should have his fine progressive stayer THE TRENDSETTER in perfect condition after a nice 2nd over 2100m at Pukekohe last start, despite only one victory over the winter at Tauranga. Crowded at the 300m in the Counties run and returned with a cut tongue, so not a bad effort considering the circumstances. Looked to have trained on from then, with solid trackwork on Tuesday suggesting the PROISIR mare is up for this. Drawn for a soft trail, Cartwright aboard - should only offer a positive run at the 2400m.

☆☆☆☆

LEVAKIA should be in perfect condition coming off a nice win over 2200m at Pukekohe last start and based on her trackwork this week, the Kelso-trained PROISIR mare is looking very sharp. Scored a couple of nice mile victories up at Ruakaka in June and August, then decidedly average in three resuming runs. Much better, although a bit keen when running 2nd to MOONLIGHT MAGIC at Tauranga over 2100m, before coming out to deliver a strong performance winning over 2200m at Pukekohe. It has taken a while to reach peak fitness, although the husband and wife team seem on top of his condition now and another robust run is highly likely.

☆☆☆

The Wexford trained CRACKERCOL was crackerjack brilliant winning at Trentham over 2100m in early December, but struck no luck when held up until the 200m in a strong Taupo Cup field. Won over the mile at Matamata in October, then franked that form with a nice victory at Tauranga, defeating TOP SHELF, who isn't half bad. The PROISIR gelding has really been on the ball this campaign and only needs clear air to be powering up late. Returning to this location is optimal, as it allows them to leverage the gelding's strengths and overall capabilities effectively within these wide open spaces. Too wet potentially a problem.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP

RACE 9 - 1200m

TRISTAR / HANKEE ALPHA / LUPO SOLITARIO

The O'Sullivan/Scott trained TRISTAR should be sitting on absolute peak after two very promising runs back and could prove hard to beat in this. By the strong sire EXCEEDANCE, the five-year-old mare took on hot company in her 3yo season, winning at Trentham and Te Rapa in May 2025 on Heavy 10 tracks. Battled closer for 3rd resuming here over 1200m in December, followed by a powerful effort for 2nd coming wider at Tauranga last start. Really just needs to jump away well and find a clean trailing spot without interference and build momentum once turning for home.

☆☆☆☆

The Wexford team will also present HANKEE ALPHA in fine condition after two runs back from a long break and the recent 3rd and 2nd placings in strong fields at Ellerslie suggests the PROISIR mare is back as good as ever. Bolted in over 1200m at Te Aroha last October before weaving late from 10th to win there again over 1100m twelve months ago. Took on some high calibre three-year-olds in the Almanzor Trophy and Uncle Remus, and not embarrassed with two 5th placings. Much tougher in the NZB KIWI, but the batch of barrier trials to prepare were good. Quality trackwork reflects a horse ready to fire, so look for a big one, but really rotton wide draw.

☆☆☆

LUPO SOLITARIO is back from an unhappy time in Hong Kong and whether it was the stable, climate or missing the green grass of home, the SATONO ALADDIN gelding never produced much at Sha Tin. Now in the care of Danica Guy, we could see some form return quickly, but possibly up at the 1400m. Before leaving our shores, his 3YO season was dynamic, defeating GLAMOUR TYCOON and MARY SHAN over 1200m here, then winning again at Tauranga before running 2nd to CROCETTI in the Gr.2 Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa. Tried hard behind ORCHESTRAL at Pukekohe, so some serious ability when last seen in New Zealand. Watch closely.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP

RACE 1 - 1400m

THE ESPY / SUIT YOURSELF / CHEEKY DEVIL

THE ESPY finished 5th on debut after looming up at the 200m, however the US NAVY FLAG gelding was three wide in the open and the effort told. Three wide again at Tauranga over 1100m, but was too strong from the turn at Te Rapa, with his class as a strong juvenile evident. Bit tougher in the two resuming runs, but could be ready to fire 3rd-up as a lightly raced type with plenty of upside. The Andrew Forsman trained 3yo is fairly resilient being out of LECIA LADY, who's mother is by NOTHIN' LEICA DANE, runner-up in 1995 Melbourne Cup at three after winning the VRC Derby three days prior.

☆☆☆☆

SUIT YOURSELF is a much better horse than recent form suggests and could be worth considering after racing greenly in his first run since March. The SAVILLE ROW gelding started off his career with a hiss and a roar, winning twice here at Te Rapa over 1200m. Finished 4th un the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas and 5th to WILLYDOIT over 1600m at Ellerslie, but just couldn't find that bit extra to challenge the top three-year-olds. Pam Gerard has allowed the horse plenty time off to reset and he does make for an interesting runner in this. Good gate, Stackhouse aboard, could surprise if that first run has settled him.

☆☆☆

CHEEKY DEVIL has taken on some strong three-year-old company since finishing over 1300m at Avondale in November and in the three runs since has shown his natural ability. Game winning at Rotorua over 1230m ahead of CHILLING OUT, before a difficult run from a wide gate in the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Trentham in December. Slow away coming back to the 1400m at Pukekohe and held up until the 200m, although came on well to finish 3rd behind AWATERE. The CONTRIBUTER filly trained by Laura Brennan at Cambridge could threaten with the right run in transit.

☆☆

MAAT SPECIAL CONDITIONS

RACE 2 - 1200m

SARTI / MISS JONES / TRACK TESTER

Beautifully bred Pencarrow gelding SARTI launched his racing career in fine style with an impressive come-from-behind victory in a 1200m Maiden at Tauranga. Sarti showed an explosive turn-of-foot and powered past six rivals in the straight, hitting the front less than 30 metres from the finish but pulling away to be almost a length in front at the line. Trained by Bev and Ken Kelso, the SNITZEL gelding is owned by Sir Peter Vela, so be warned. He is out of the top-class Pencarrow homebred mare GUISEPPINA, who won six of her 21 starts incuding the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m), the Listed Flying Handicap (1400m) and Listed Levin Stakes (1200m). Guiseppina is the dam of two winners from three foals to race, including TAVI TIME. The fresh legs could be an advantage here over MISS JONES.

☆☆☆☆

Interesting Cody Cole would return MISS JONES from a blistering victory at Trentham last Saturday and back up the DEEP FIELD mare in a SP Conditions race at Te Rapa seven days later. The former Australian galloper was ultra impressive winning at Ellerslie in her first run on Kiwi soil and looked highly talented. The DEEP FIELD mare failed to rack up a win in ten Sydney runs, although she came close in six of those contests and appeared super competitive overall. Over-raced a bit at Ellerslie but really took it to them on straightening at Trentham and looked impressive in the manner in which she won, so it is hard to look past the mare based on that run. Might be too good for them once again and will jump at short odds.

☆☆☆

The O'Sullivan/Scott trained TRACK TESTER really tested out the Te Rapa track last start when getting up to defeat PORTLAND over 1100m three weeks ago. By the sire SHALAA, the three-year-old gelding's Australian bred dam WENDOVER (High Chapparal) was a cheap broadmare and the colt was originally purchased by Paul Moroney at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2024 for $45,000. Raced three wide on debut, but there is a bit of speed in this pedigree and could be up there early with MISS JONES, but unlikely to match the kick.

☆☆

BEST BET: OHOPE WINS

NEXT BEST: KHALEESI

BEST VALUE: TOMODACHI

LONGSHOT: EL VENCEDOR