PRESUMING (R2)

Caught the eye in trackwork at Matamata on Tuesday and despite the wide gate this COMPLACENT gelding did show something in mid 2024 before going missing in action. Flew late for 2nd over 1400m at on a wet track last August, although terrible the last two. Pam Gerard may have turned the corner with this gelding and with Rooke on he looks a serious smokey up in trip but will need to find his best late.

SWEET DISPOSITION (R3)

Marsh appears to have found another nice three-year-old in SWEET DISPOSITION, a DARCI BRAHMA gelding with a bulletproof pedigree. Couldn't get him up and firing over summer with a couple of lazy trials, before a better effort in February. Went back, then came wide on the turn to finish a length of TYCOON LUCY over 1400m on debut at Matamata, displaying sound ability. Nice gate, M. McNab aboard, so expect another strong run going up to the mile. Short odds but best on the day.

DARE TO PROISIR (R6)

These might be short odds for the PROISIR gelding after running well in two out of three runs, but he appears very well-placed here to break his maiden. The Te Akau-trained gelding finished 3rd on debut behind VEGA FOR LUCK over 950m last Oct, then 3rd to stablemate TO BRAVERY BORN at Ellerslie in January. The horse competed with enthusiasm in the 2YO Colin Jillings Classic and has received sufficient training from the team to be prepared for a victory after a number more trials.

THE RITZ (R7)

The Wexford trained THE RITZ may appreciate this first run back after a spell, but we do rate the ALMANZOR filly resuming with Masa aboard. Started to work it all out when 4th over 1800m at Taupo, followed by a 4th over 2100m at Te Rapa. Settled last and couldn't finish it off in the Lowland Stakes but could offer up a bold effort after one trial on a HEAVY10. Hasn't struck much luck in a few of those early runs and like these odds eachway.

SHIATSU (R8)

The Gerry Harvey owned SHIATSU went along at a genuine pace, travelled well before being pushed out to extend approaching the home turn and drew clear in the straight to win by four-and-a-quarter lengths at Cambridge over a year ago. The SWISS ACE mare only had one more run in June before resuming for a 10th here at Pukekohe in early April. From this gate with Grylls on we expect a strong showing back to a firm surface. Would play to keep very safe.