GORE GUINEAS (L)

RACE 7 - 1200m

HELLO HAYLEY / MAROKOPA FALLS / QUEEN OF SHEBA

HELLO HAYLEY hasn't been lucky with the draw here, but is coming off two wins in strong three-year-old company and has the ability to show a fine turn-of-foot with a slick sprint. This powerful filly by HELLO YOUMZAIN has secured victories in both the Southland and Gore Guineas with impressive finishes, and there is a possibility she could deliver an equally dynamic performance in this event. Keep safe.

☆☆☆☆

The Te Akau-trained MAROKOPA FALLS promised plenty early on before finding things got a bit tougher, but has experienced a revitalization in the south. The HELLBENT filly demonstrated commendable performance, securing a third-place finish at Ashburton over 1200m, followed by another competitive showing at Riccarton in her most recent outing. With a favourable starting position and Floor Moorman as the jockey, she is certainly a strong contender.

☆☆☆

The Anna Furlong trained QUEEN OF SHEBA hasn't done a whole heap wrong and delivered a big finish to win over 1200m at Ashburton last start and break her maiden on the fourth attempt. The discerning southern trainer has prepared this promising filly for significant races, and this event represents her initial major challenge. She appears well-equipped to perform competitively and needs to be taken seriously.

☆☆

RIVERTON CUP

RACE 9 - 2147m

SMOOTH OPERATOR / BAUBLE / MAYOR OF NORWOOD

Probably can't go past SMOOTH OPERATOR at the weights as he is very good on his day but not always the easiest to catch. Tidy win in the Cup at Southland over 2600m, and ran on last start in the Dunedin Gold Cup. Rock hard fit and coming back to this trip will not be an issue we imagine. BAUBLE was only just beaten by a nose at Wingatui and challenged gamely at the latest, so in the right shape feature with a wise ride from a wide gate. Odds are generous. MAYOR OF NORWOOD is the big danger with a solid record here over the distance. Big weight to lump around, but at his best he is a formidable stayer. Fit and versatile.

FILLIES & MARES SW&P

RACE 8 - 1400m

CONNELLO / THIRD DECREE / CANASTA

The Tina.com/Lisa Latta combo could work a treat down here and you only have to refer to the win of CONNELLO over 1400m at Trentham in Jan to realise this is a good horse. Looks well up to this and goes close. We liked THIRD DECREE in the Breeders at Riccarton last start and she was game for 3rd in a strong G3 contest. Coming back to 1400m might work as very fit horse at present. CANASTA is coming off a win at Riccarton for Anna Furlong and really delivered with a big finish. This is much harder, but potential is there.

OPEN HANDICAP

RACE 5 - 1200m

MARTELL / MYSTIC PARK / EXPRESS COUP

The Tyler trained MARTELL has never run on tbe course but is a good fresh up sprinter who will go for broke early. Moorman 3kg claim could make all thr difference. The Southern sprinter MYSTIC PARK has been pretty disappointing since winning the Gr.3 TAB Mile at Riccarton during Cup week in November. The OCEAN PARK gelding has been charging home with supreme power and may appreciate coming back to the sprint distance. EXPRESS COUP has won 2 from 3 at Riverton and could be about to produce her best, although any give in the track a bonus.

BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP

RACE 10 - 1600m

WHO ROX THE HOUSE / RIPA TIME / STOUT

We jumped on the former Wexford trained WHO ROX THE HOUSE in his first start for Ebony Rurner and she blitzed them by 7L at Southland before a solid performance for 3rd over the mile at Wingatui. Trained on the course and can bounce back. RIPA TIME is very well weighted and looks the biggest threat. Up in trip and capable of going back-to-back. STOUT was a fair performer in the Central Districts and hasn't performed too badly in the south for Steven Prince. Last won at Wingatui just under a year ago, but could run into the money with a bit of luck.

BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP

RACE 4 - 1600m

AIRPARK HUSTLER / MONAGHAN BOY / LEMON CURD

The WAR DECREE gelding AIRPARK HUSTLER was impressive winning over 1400m on the Heavy 8 at Riccarton during cup week with a big finish before running 3rd to LOOSE SALLY over the mile. Has the gate and these odds are highly appealing. MONAGHAN BOY has been consistent this prep for Kelvin Tyler having won well at INVERCARGILL in February. Trained here, 3kg claim and took on strong company last start. Right in this. LEMON CURD hasn't landed the kindest gate but is unbeaten wirh two runs at the track. Fitness no issue and willing to suggest the PER INCANTO mare can run a big race here.

BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP

RACE 6 - 1200m

EASTANDWEST / GROVE STREET / ELEGANT EXPLOSIVE

We don't feel the Pittman's trained EASTANDWEST is too badly off here and could be ready to produce his best, although somewhat of an enigma at times. Much better then the form suggests. GROVE STREET is a really nice type bred for speed but hasn't been going terrible of late. Has the ability, only needs to apply himself a bit better. ELEGANT EXPLOSIVE is close to another win and shouldn't be overlooked as a reliable horse coming off a nice 2nd at Wingatui last start. This SWEYNESSE mare can go close fr9m the gate with Hudson aboard.

BEST BET: CONNELLO

NEXT BEST: HELLO HAYLEY

BEST VALUE: AIRPARK HUSTLER

WILDCARD: STOUT