OPEN HANDICAP

RACE 6 - 2100m

LOLAPALOOZA / BOXMOSS / FREE BIRD

LOLAPALOOZA will step up to 2100m following a hampered run in restricted room at Matamata; notably, the EL ROCA mare delivered a strong late challenge at Ellerslie before being narrowly overtaken by TOWERING VISION late. Super as a three-year-old winning the Gold Trail, 2nd in the 2000 Guineas and Eight Carat and looks the standout going up to middle-distance.

☆☆☆☆

Following a promising performance for 4th in the Staphanos Classic (2100m) at Ellerslie, BOXMOSS, a VADAMOS gelding, demonstrated impressive form by rallying from the rear to secure a victory over 2400m at Te Rapa; he subsequently reaffirmed this capability with another strong win from well back in a 2100m event at Ellerslie closing off powerfully. Appears ready to produce his best.

☆☆☆

The David Greene-trained mare FREE BIRD rounded out the card at Ellerslie with a strong win over the mile bursting away. Performed exceptionally well in Auckland during the autumn season, securing two victories, including a win at 2100m followed by a second-place finish behind BOXMOSS over 2400m at Te Rapa. Currently at peak fitness, the horse is well-prepared to manage the increase in distance.

☆☆

OPEN HANDICAP

RACE 8 - 1300m

MIZELLA / STERLING EXPRESS / LATRELLE

The former Australian galloper MIZELLA displayed her true ability when winning her NZ debut over a year ago before finishing 1.3L off SHE'S A DEALER at Ellerslie. Much harder in the G2 at Pukekohe, although Debbie Sweeney didn't press the TOO DARN HOT mare hard in the new year and she has won a recent Waipa trial. Ready to go and the 1300m should suit first up for a horse with plenty of upside. Big run wouldn't surprise us.

☆☆☆☆

STERLING EXPRESS failed to produce much in the two Group ones but ran an admirable 3rd in the Foxbridge at Te Rapa resuming; a race he had won a year earlier. Runner-up to FIRST FIVE in the Gr.1 BDC Sprint and two strong performances, including a second here were impressive. Mark Brosnan has implemented a brief freshen-up and the SHAMEXPRESS gelding now appears well-positioned to be competitive against this grade of opposition.

☆☆☆

We've stuck by LATRELLE through thick and thin despite the REDWOOD mare not quite living up to expectations, she is very good on her day and can finish off strongly if everything falls her way. Suffered cardiac arrhythmia a couple of times but won over the mile at Trentham prior and was going well. Cody Cole - fresh up with no trial - who really knows?

☆☆

BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP

RACE 9 - 1400m

L'AIGLE NOIR / TIANTAI / VOLUNTEER

Tough contest to finish on, although L'AGILE NOIR is a high-quality RIBCHESTER gelding from the Wexford barn who had the ability to take this field apart. Won at Rotorua last November, then ran into some fine three-year-old talent in THAT'S GOLD, BELLE CHEVAL and WELL WRITTEN - like the very best. Overraced for 3rd resuming at Matamata, but well-positioned here to make amends.

☆☆☆☆

Nothing wrong with the ability of the Ken Kelso-trained TIVACI mare TIANTAI who is a highly versatile type coming off a resuming win at Te Rapa and a tidy 3rd at Tauranga last start over 1400m. She is prone to doing a few things wrong which is the main concern, although McNab sticks firm in the saddle and if he doesn't try some hail Mary move, then she has to be a good chance.

☆☆☆

We have a bit of time for this powerful OCEAN PARK gelding in VOLUNTEER from the Richardson/Norvall yard and he does look ready to offer a positive run fresh up after working the house down on Tues. Delivered two strong finishes to win at Te Rapa and Pukekohe last campaign, and he really just needs a firm deck to shine. May be looking for further, although a bright return is possible.

☆☆

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3YO 1200M - RATING 60 HCP 1580M - BENCHMARK 65 2100M - BENCHMARK 65 1300M