J & A SARTEN MEMORIAL G2
RACE 8 - 1400m 3YO

HE WHO DARES / LANDLOCK / QUONDO

HE WHO DARES was charging at AFFIRMATIVE ACTION in the Meads Trophy, and almost got there after getting out late despite being held up until the 200m mark. Won at Wanganui on debut, then finished 2nd to star Te Akau stablemate RETURN TO CONQUER after being headed in the Gr.3 Matamata Slipper. Battled away in the Gr.1 Sistema for 5th before a spell, then trialled up well prior to resuming at Ellerslie. Drew the inside gate there which wasn't ideal, now has to contend with a sticky wider gate, although Opie should be able to score some cover before launching at them and will have the space. This SNITZEL colt has some serious ability and only needs a clean run to go one better.

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LANDLOCK demonstrated commendable performance in esteemed company during his 2yo term, achieving a win on debut, before competing admirably against the very best juveniles in the land. Secured runner-up in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) behind RETURN TO CONQUER and the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge (1100m) behind INTENTION. During the interim - finished fifth in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and concluded his season with 4th place after being relegated in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires' Produce (1400m). Resumed with a 4th in the Meads Trophy, then couldn't quicken on a Heavy 9 at Te Rapa last start. Regardless, you just have to love the determination of this $20,000 MERCHANT NAVY mare, and she can only keep improving throughout this campaign. Solid trackwork Tues.

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Trainer Andrew Forsman rates his WOOTTON BASSETT gelding QUONDO, being out of a SEBRING mare in LAZUMBA who finished 2nd in the Gr.2 VRC Sires in a short career. The three-year-old QUONDO picked up very strongly to win an 800m jumpout at Pukekohe in April and them warmed up nicely when 3rd at Te Rapa in a 900m trial. Moved very smoothly to the eye when winning on debut over 1200m and did it pretty easy in the end. Got home late for 2nd in the Gr.2 Hawkes Bay Guineas (1400m) after racing three wide without cover, so may very well be a good one in waiting and appears quite professional as you would expect from this stable. Nice opportunity here against a couple of well-performed horses, so could be worth keeping safe on a firm track.

☆☆

OPEN HANDICAP
RACE 9 - 2100m

WHAT A CHARMA / ROSETOWN PRINCESS / SOLIDIFY

WHAT A CHARMA has run on late the last three and comes across as quite a strong staying type currently in good nick. Fine ride by Strawbridge to win at Rotorua over 1950m in July, then ran on well at Egmont after beginning awkwardly. Pressed on late again when 3rd to BOZO over 2040m at Wanganui, before being checked at the 400m when 3rd over 2000m on a Heavy Matamata track. Finally got it right when winning over 1950m at Rotorua last start and can go on with it. Performs best in the wet, with the JIMMY CHOUX gelding in hard condition and likely to challenge hard if he gets on his bike turning for home. Market against, but a good record here and may appreciate getting on top of the ground.

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ROSETOWN PRINCESS has delivered this prep with some break out performances. We were impressed with ROSETOWN PRINCESS, securing a victory over 1600m on a testing Heavy track at Tauranga before a huge charge for 2nd behind TREGOR in July. Won over 1800m at New Plymouth, then runner-up to TOBIAS there and DIAMOND JAK at Matamata, both at 2000m, then improved wide for 3rd to WHAT A CHARMA at Rotorua last start. Although this REDWOOD mare's racing style may not always lead to victory, she has reached a new high and comes across with a more determined attitude. This middle-distance trip should be perfect, especially if the track has some give in it. May very well charge into it late with room to move.

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SOLIDIFY took on the big guns in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic last start, and it was an adventurous move by team Rogerson. The REDWOOD gelding had been running out his races well this prep without a win, finishing 2nd at Rotorua in July, then another behind ELLIE SOURIT at Te Rapa, before a couple of fair Ellerslie runs. Concluded with a strong effort for 3rd over 2100m in the Egmont Cup at Hawera and it looked a blackbooker run, although Roggie chose to take on the best WFA horses in the land next up, which was always going to be a bit beyond him. Back to a more suitable level and at a high level of fitness, he does appear a major player. Nice weight, drawn well - plenty to like here, just needs to deliver.

☆☆


OPEN HANDICAP
RACE 7 - 1300m

WILD NIGHT / FROSTFAIR / GLAMOUR TYCOON

The beautiful big Te Akau chestnut WILD NIGHT would probably appreciate a firm track here, which is what the Te Akau team have been waiting on, but she can handle the sting out of the ground and resumed with a fighting 6th after a slow beginning at Taupo. The VANBURGH mare experienced a stunning three-year-old season and was right amongst it running in classy company. Came back well after injury late last year to win at Matamata and Tauranga before an unlucky Australian campaign, which netted nothing. Two fair runs in the Autumn, with the perceptive Walker/Bergerson team building her towards some major target races. Possesses a great kick and can get into this if the pace is on and the track is playing fair. Mile would suit better, but royal ability, too good to ignore and can run them down if they go too hot out in front.

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FROSTFAIR is good enough to get on with it here from an awkward middle draw and set up a dominant catch me if you can approach. Difficult to knock a horse of this quality though, and her jump and run racing style has worked thus far when winning three-in-a-row last season. Won exceptionally well at Ellerslie when 6th and wide, before leading turning in and holding on. Repeated the dose at Counties, then Ellerslie again. Her dam, THAMES COURT (Commands) was pretty talented and the WRITTEN TYCOON gelding should be ready to launch after two mediocre runs back from a spell. Wazza Kennedy sticks and these odds are more than fair for such a well performed type. Some faith required, but may sit in behind GLAMOUR TYCOON, then try to launch the final 100m.

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GLAMOUR TYCOON will hit the ground running and is likely to be up on the pace early from the (1) gate. Although Tauranga can be a tricky track, it should suit those on the rail, with this WRITTEN TYCOON mare a fairly slick front-runner that can be hard to haul in if allowed a soft lead. Won here in February before a 2nd to TOMADACHI at Ellerslie, then a Listed victory over 1200m at Trentham. Fought on for 3rd behind DOCTOR ASKAR over 1400m in Wellington, then just pipped by STERLING EXPRESS coming back to 1200m. Two runs back haven't been awful, however the Marsh trained sprinter should be ripe to go 3rd-up with Billy Pinn in the saddle. Will be in it for a long way, but the last bit could test. Deserves favouritism.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP
RACE 11 - 1600m

BOURBON PROOF / ISLAND LIFE / AFTERGLO

The Stephen Marsh JUSTIFY gelding BOURBON PROOF experienced a solid three-year-old campaign and ran among the very best of his age group. Finished 2nd to CHECKMATE in the ArmaCup at Ellerslie before kicking away to win over the mile at Matamata. Battled well for a credible 4th to DAMASK ROSE in the 3YO Karaka Millions in January before fighting well when 2nd to TUXEDO in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas. Run down by the Australian raider, DOCTOROFLOVE in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) before failing badly with a rough run in the NZ Derby at Ellerslie. No go in the Trelawney to finish off the prep, although trialled up well before a fair fresh up run at Ellerslie. Can go much better 2nd up and brilliant at best.

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The VADAMOS mare ISLAND LIFE was held up in the straight resuming at Ellerslie and had to shift out which cost her any chance. Likely needed the run, but she displayed glimpses of brilliance last campaign, finishing 2nd on debut at Pukekohe twelve months ago before proving too good over the mile at Tauranga. Run down late by TUXEDO in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m), then got too far back in the Eulogy at Trentham before battling well for 3rd in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan (2000m) at Ellerslie. Fantastic performance to win the Gr.3 Sunline Vase on Champions Day and was just too strong for them. Not go in the Oaks, but exhibits a tendency to overrace early and will need to settle into her work with some degree of composure. Like the set-up here with Grylls aboard as she has won 2nd-up.

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Willing to stick our neck out and say AFTERGLO can in fact come out and run another big race after an impressive winning performance in the wet at Matamata last start. The lightly raced ARDROSSAN mare came wide to win on debut at Matamata, defeating ZIGGY STARDUST, then grabbed 3rd returning on that the course after racing wide throughout over 1100m. Inconvenienced at the 150m when 4th to TREGOR back at Matamata trying the 1600m again then sent for a spell. Raced in restricted room when resuming, but the mare can go on with it here and offer another strong display. Fairly well placed with Rooke taking the reins for the Autridge stable, although only wet form to speak off.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP
RACE 4 - 1200m

ERIN GO BRAGH / KITTY FLASH / SHE'S ALL THAT

Stephen Marsh has exercised prudence in the development of the VADAMOS gelding ERIN GO BRAGH, and the outcomes thus far suggest a promising future. A fresh up demon, he won a year ago on debut, then took on G2 company which was a bit rich so early. Resumed in March with a smart display to win over 1200m at Pukekohe, then relegated over 1500m at Ellerslie when shifting out on PENMAN, who is a fine type now in Australia. Fought hard for 3rd over 1600m at Te Rapa before a spell, but looks well forward with some fine trial work. May be too good for this lot over 1200m and we expect a dominant first up effort.

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KITTY FLASH could win this based on what she already shown, but may appreciate a bit further. The ACE HIGH mare has a powerful turn-of-foot, although that was not evident in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) when finishing back in the field. Chased home SAVAGLEE in the Gr.2 Levin Classic (1400m) and also runner-up to the finest ALABAMA LASS in the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie in October off the back of a strong victories at Taupo and Te Rapa. Gets the split then may stand a chance but will be relying on luck just as much as a ability. Taking on trust here, but won her last trial of two for Andrew Forsman and the services of Grylls a big bonus. Potential for a robust performance returning and her noted expertise warrants consideration.

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SHE'S ALL THAT has landed a nasty gate here which won't aid her chances at all, although the TIME TEST mare did come out and win very well fresh up and has considerable talent. The Wexford trained mare looks to have been a work in progress for the team, close up to begin her career, before pouncing to win with some authority over 1400m at Te Aroha. Finished 2nd to ERIN GO BRAGH with a tough, three wide effort before a flop at Te Rapa and put out for the winter. Based on that first-up effort, she could get into this with a wise Cartwright steer, although a fair bit of luck is required. Can run a place.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP

RACE 5 - 1200m

JUDICIAL / ELECTRIC ZOU / MISS MADRIDISTA

JUDICIAL is a fine WRITTEN TYCOON sprinter who started out life in Melbourne, winning at Ballarat and Cranbourne before transferring to the Ben & Ryan Foote stables at Cambridge. Finished 3rd, but over raced a bit over 1100m at Ellerslie in his New Zealand debut, before a solid 2nd to REPTAK over 1200m at Ruakaka in July. One lone trial to prepare, however likely to be well primed and he does have some quality about him, although this gate doesn't make it very easy. Probably just gets on with the job early and a firm track with Vinny on looks the go.

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The Jim Collett trained ELECTRIC ZOU has been completely overlooked here, with his daughter Sam opting for the toppy in JETHRO TULL. But that doesn't scare us off. The ZOUSTAR gelding has been a little hit and miss at times, although when he's on, this horse is very good. He is bred to be a sharp galloper, and showed it when fighting hard to win at Ellerslie in April. Didn't enjoy the wet tracks, but came back into form with another victory running on the Cambridge synthetic, then a late run for 2nd at the venue. Drawn a gate here, so expect a stronger effort at big odds if the track comes up well.

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The Sam Mynott trained MISS MADRIDISTA is a tough sprinter who looks right in this jumping from the ace gate. By the powerful sire, SHAMEXPRESS, the four-year-old mare held on to win over 1200m in her 2nd career run last Dec. Weakened in strong 3YO company, then led and too good for them at Te Rapa. Two strong fourth placings followed, once again up against some good types, before being turned out in March. Resumed with a top performance for 2nd behind NEPHITI at Te Aroha after racing three wide throughout, so 2nd-up from this gate we could see the best of her. Decent odds and can win for sure.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP
RACE 10 - 2100m

RAMBLIN ROSE / GREY AREA / PERFECTMANZ

RAMBLIN' ROSE was pretty decent when 3rd resuming over 1500m at Te Rapa, suggesting the COMPLACENT mare was well forward, then went on to wimd up 2nd in the big wet at Matamata. Ran a couple of nice races at Te Rapa and Ellerslie last prep and proved herself an ultra consistent type. Held up, but flew late for 2nd over the same trip at Pukekohe so we know the mare has a strong constitution and once she gets rolling along can make up significant ground late. Raced a bit wide last start at Ellerslie and will only improve coming off that nearing peak fitness. Don't underestimate her stamina and the likelihood trainer Darrell Hollinshead will have the mare up for this.

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Slow starts and lack of experience really hindered the progress of GREY AREA during his three-year-old season, but the PIERRO gelding can only improve in the hands of the astute Roger James and Robert Wellwood, and his trackwork on Tuesday recflects a fit horse. Led and held on to win his maiden over 2100m here at Tauranga, then lay out rounding the bend at Ellerslie. Having been positioned three-wide in the open during the Gr.1 NZ Derby, the horse's prospects were compromised, and subsequently, a sluggish start in the Gr.3 Trelawney Stud race concluded the season. Last trial was a winning one, so could give this a real crack with improved manners. Much better than what the formline reads.

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The ALMANZOR gelding PERFECTMANZ hasn't exactly ignited a fire, with a number of average results thus far, but he does hold some ability and only needs to strike the right set up. Wasn't far away during the winter and spring of 2024, only resuming in September with a fair run for 4th. Didn't enjoy the water park at Matamata, however, improved wide after a slow beginning over 2000m at Taupo and ran on well for 4th place. Scores a much better gate here and Corentin Berge now has a couple of rides on the horse to work out his quirks. Not the strongest staying field, so could be worth a closer look at these big odds.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP
RACE 6 - 1300m

FEEL THE STAG / LIVE ON AIR / LITTERAL

Stephen Marsh could have a fine one in FEEL THE STAG, and the master trainer hasn't exactly been in a rush to overextend the TOO DARN HOT gelding. He is out of s strong racemare in PROSECCO (Stravinsky) and showed real promise in his early trial work. Fourth on debut before two 3rd placings at Wanganui and Ellerslie. On the pace over 1200m at Avondale when strong to the line in winning and he is looking more superior with added experience. Likely to jump and get on with it early, so expect a dominant performance on the speed. Can go back-to-back.

☆☆☆☆

We've been tracking the PROISIR galloper LIVE ON AIR very closely, and at some point this mare is just going to explode with a powerful performance. Wound up nicely for 2nd here over 1400m at the beginning of October, then improved wide but crowded when 2nd over the same trip at Rotorua. Held up near the 150m last start at Ellerslie and probably had a bit more to give with space to move, so willing to forgive. May not have won since a fine Taupo victory in August 2024, however, the mare had drawn an inside gate, so if Matt Cartwright can keep her out of trouble a strong performance is on the cards. Respect the Danica Guy stable and she will get this horse up and firing.

☆☆☆

This draw won't really help the mare LITTERAL, who typically positions midfield or further back and will be chasing the leaders from the outset. Trained by Ken & Bev Kelso, the REDWOOD gelding has exhibited promising potential, with runner-up slots behind ELLIE MCFAB at Matamata in June, SWEETAZME at Rotorua, and another strong 2nd placing at Rotorua, all on Heavy 10 tracks. Came home well to win over 1200m at Matamata in September, then improved over 1400m at Rotorua last start, but hindered in the process and never really stood a chance. Not so sure on a firm deck, but the TAB have kept safe.

☆☆

MAIDEN 1400

RACE 1 - 1400m

CURZON PARK / TOP RICH / LA REINA

The three-year-old RIBCHESTER gelding CURZON PARK hasn't been too bad since resuming with 4th place on a Heavy 9 at Te Rapa. Fought on and brave behind ORATIA BEAUTY when 5th, before coming wider from midfield for another 5th over 1350m at Taupo last start. Best results thus far was two second placings at Otaki plus Te Rapa as a two-year-old and surely has more strength in the tank now. The Richardson/ Norvall training team are confident the gelding has turned the corner and can run a big race at good odds in the opener, aided by a Sam McNab 3kg claim. Drawn well.

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TOP RICH is a first starter from the Kurtis Pertab stable and will have the best possible chance of a strong debut performance with Craig Grylls riding. The three-year-old chestnut colt is also by the sire RIBCHESTER out of a COMMANDS mare in ST GALLEN and was a fairly cheap purchase out of Karaka Book 2. Winner of a recent trial and placed in the previous two, so a bold run wouldn't surprise if well grounded. Look for a bold first hitout.

☆☆☆

The three-year-old TIVACI filly LA REINA could end up being a good one from the O'Sullivan/Scott Wexford yard and you can trust this stable will have her in the right condition to debut. Her dam QUEEN LEONORA (Savabeel) only saw the track once, however the 2nd dam LEGO (O'Reilly) did win a couple and is out of a nice performer in LEGS. Four barrier trials to prepare but likely to appreciate this trip with the Irishman Joe Doyle in the saddle who has been riding in hot form. Nice odds and can run well to kick off her career.

☆☆

BEST BET: HE WHO DARES

NEXT BEST: ERIN GO BRAGH

BEST VALUE: WILD NIGHT

LONGSHOT: CURZON PARK (R1)