OPUNAKE CUP (L)
RACE 7 - 1400m

THOOZA / BONNARD / PLATINUM DIAMOND

If THOOZA had drawn a gate we believe she could have won this hands down, but it will be tough from out wide over this trip and it will require a George Rooke special to get her across the line first. Regardless, we love the fighting qualities of the Pike-trained ALMANZOR mare who was good for 3rd from barrier (11) over 1400m at Tauranga. Won only run here, so not entirely out of it but tricky up against the progressive BONNARD.

☆☆☆☆

BONNARD got back to his very best last start in an Open 1400m at Waverley after winning three straight in Benchmark grade. No doubt there is some quality about this SWISS ACE gelding who has raced through the grades quickly and can continue to measure up against a higher class of horse. Sticks at the same weight, Amber should land in a nice spot and looms as a major player once again.

☆☆☆

How piss-poor was PLATINUM DIAMOND in the Tauranga Classic last start when a big run in the wet looked on. But that track doesn't suit every horse and Latta has pressed on so we should expect better from the HELLO YOUMZAIN filly. Has the ability and only need to jump away efficiently to get amongst it. Naturally some risk based on the last run but talented enough to turn it around and worth persevering with but hard to trust.

☆☆

OPEN HANDICAP
RACE 8 - 1800m

ASTORIA BROOKE / FULLA GRACE / IDENTIKIT

The Pike-trained ASTORIA BROOKE finished off best to win over the mile at Te Rapa last start and it was well due following a few sound runs encountering strong company in the build up. This AMERICAN PHAROAH mare does have a touch of class about her and seems to appreciate a Heavy track. Fitness wise she should be bang on the money to go big again with Grylls aboard.

☆☆☆☆

We don't mind the Sharrock runner FULLA GRACE on her home course and this OCEAN PARK mare is only lightly raced but has some ability in the wet. Came from second last to finish off strongly and win here on a Soft 5 but raced wide throughout at Waverley and never really stood a chance at the latest. Will need to step up again, although at these big odds should be considered for multiples.

☆☆☆

IDENTIKIT is another solid performer in the wet and after a couple of runs in could be in much sharper condition, so expect marked improvement. Kicked to win easily on a Heavy 10 at Wanganui last winter, then put in a big finish to win over 2100m at Hawera virtually 12 months ago. Has been pressure and although yet to race here, coming back in trip suits and she should be at home in the Heavy conditions. Odds are at big overs if she can turn things around.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP
RACE 6 - 1600m

AFTERGLO / LOCH KATRINE / ZANZIBAR

Coming off a fine victory over 1600m at Te Rapa last start, AFTERGLO appears well placed sricking to the mile and looks to have trained on strongly from that win. The Stephen Autridge-trained ARDROSSAN mare has looked very good at times being brought along carefully by the team and she does seem to have matured into a much stronger racehorse. Drawn out a bit which shouldn't be an issue at the trip and backing Rooke to afford her every chance.

☆☆☆☆☆

The other ARDROSSAN mare LOCH KATRINE has the ability to feature as her last start effort was far from terrible for fifth and she has delivered in the wet and at the distance in the past. Cruised up to take over and win in dominant style at Rotorua in May, so these odds seemd a bit extreme. Floor Moerman claims 2kg which will make a difference and a big run here up in trip wouldn't surprise.

☆☆☆

ZANZIBAR is quite a tidy Forsman-trained ZED gelding who is getting stronger with each run and should relish another wet track in the Naki after winning on a Heavy 10 here at New Plymouth exactly 12 months ago. Broke his maiden on the course prior to this, so well-suited at the mile and capable of footing it with any of these opponents.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP
RACE 3 - 1200m

CREMANT / BRIGIT / TULSA KING

We locked in on CREMANT the last couple and the BELARDO filly duly delivered at Waverley last start when finishing best over the 1200m. Fought hard for 2nd the run prior at Wanganui as the filly does like to run handy and that works here on a testing New Plymouth track. Lisa Latta looks to have a fine progressive filly who can continue to work through the grades this prep as she come across as the type likely to make it in OPEN class.

☆☆☆☆

BRIGIT is a nice lightweight chance from the Sharrock Barn who loves her home track and delivered a quality win over 1200m at Woodville when sliding up on the inside with a powerful late run. Top effort for 2nd to AMMIRATI in the Wellington Stakes last November so the form around that horse is strong. This TIME TEST mare has been well-handled by the Sharrock team and can continue on her winning ways.

☆☆☆

Aaron Bidlake appears happy with the STAPHANOS gelding TULSA KING who won here on a Heavy 10 in September with the biggest issue being his slow starts. Nevertheless, strode out very nicely in trackwork at Hastings on Tuesday so in fresh condition could offer a bold sprint effort first up. Last seen in the NZ Derby on Champions Day at Ellerslie after finishing 2nd to AMMIRATI in the Gingernuts Salver on the course.
☆☆

BEST BET: AFTERGLO

NEXT BEST: ASTORIA BROOKE

BEST VALUE: THOOZA

WILDCARD: LOCH KATRINE