H.S DYKE WANGANUI GUINEAS (L)

RACE 5 - 1200m 3YO SW

CHURMATT / TO BRAVERY BORN / PLATINUM DIAMOND

The son of CHURCHILL in CHURMATT demonstrated considerable ability during the trials, notably winning his 850m heat at Te Awamutu last month, and ending up co-favourite for the 1230m race at Arawa Park. As MARZENIE maintained a steady pace alongside him, McNab urged CHURMATT to accelerate, and he responded swiftly, pulling ahead of his competitors by a couple of lengths. He then extended his lead, ultimately winning by 3L ahead of stablemate, SWISS PRINCE. Trainer Stephen Marsh expressed optimism and was pleased with the initial performance. His dam, ZERMATT (Shaft) did little, however, the 2nd dam ZANNA (Pentire) was quite talented as a G2 winner. He looks a good speed horse, is well educated with a firm grounding is likely to run well here.

☆☆☆☆

The SNITZEL gelding TO BRAVERY BORN ended up playing second fiddle to his more gifted two-year-old Te Akau stablemates LA DORADA and RETURN TO CONQUER last season, but was far from inferior in the big features. Won on debut at Wanganui before leading from the 200m to hold on well over 1200m at Ellerslie. Weaved with a strong late finish for 4th to LA DORADA in the Listed 2YO Karaka Millions and then ran 3rd to RETURN TO CONQUER in the Gr.3 Matamata Slipper in February. No dash when three wide without cover in the Gr.1 Sires Produce at Trentham before a break. Won well resuming over 1100m at Taupo and appears a bigger, stronger three-year-old ready for the challenges ahead. Bred to be awesome and a large campaign is in store.

☆☆☆

The Latta-trained filly PLATINUM DIAMOND has looked pretty good in only four starts, winning three in the Central Districts among some reasonable competition. The HELLO YOUMZAIN filly threw down a big finish to win over 1200m at Wanganui in May, before a fine win in the Listed Castletown Stakes at Otaki. Stylish victory in the Listed Ryder Stakes last start returning to Otaki but is still young and learning her trade as a lightly raced two-year-old last season. Nice one month freshen up should have tightened her up a bit and sure to be in solid condition arriving here. May progress on nicely into the three-year-old features, although bred to appreciate these sprint trips more and certainly in the right frame of mind to mount a firm challenge. Makes it interesting.

☆☆

OPEN HANDICAP

RACE 7 - 2040m

BOZO / PRIDE OF ASPEN / WOLFGANG

BOZO has demonstrated strong performances in wet conditions, and his recent third-place finish over 1800m at Riccarton was a commendable achievement under the guidance of trainer Kevin Myers. Easy to forgive his 6th placing behind BRADMAN on a super deep Trentham bog and both circuits didn't provide the best of footing for the horse. Previous form was quite impressive when maintaining a strong pace to win over 1600m at Wellington, and the SATONO ALADDIN gelding demonstrated remarkable resilience when challenged in the final stretch. Seems to excel on that track, although if he gets into a good position early, and in some open space, he might be the one to watch coming on strong at the end with those tough runs now behind him.

☆☆☆☆

Hard to knock the way in which PRIDE OF ASPEN is going at present, with tough victories over 2200m and 1600m at Otaki, before amping it up when winning over 2100m at Hawera last start. The seven-year-old PRIDE OF DUBAI mare, trained by Johno Benner at Otaki, has shown significant improvement this preparation, especially after the previous season's less favourable results, and has been thriving with more racing in the Central Districts. Goes very well on his home course, but did win at Wanganui over 2060m in May 2024. If the track remains a Heavy 10, then we expect this fit stayer to put in another big effort and feature down the lane.

☆☆☆

The PUCCUNI gelding WOLFGANG hasn't raced since winning the FRAC CLUB St Leger (2500m) at Trentham in March, with the stayer storming home out wide to capture the lollies. Put in a great effort in February when 2nd to the Te Akau horse, WHAT YOU WISH FOR over 2000m in the Kaimai Stakes at Matamata and also ran a nice race when 2nd to ISLINGTON LASS in the 2300m Gr.3 Manawatu Cup. We know what a fine stayer this horse is, as proven when 4th in the Geelong Cup and 6th in the Herbert Power last year surrounded by a number of fit Melbourne Cup hopefuls. The Peter & Shaun McKay trained thoroughbred is likely to need the run, but we do expect big things from him over further, with another Aussie sojourn on the cards should he perform up to expectations.

☆☆

OPEN HANDICAP

RACE 4 - 1200m

MARY SHAN / TURN THE ACE / BOLD BELLE

The ALMANZOR mare MARY SHAN trialled up a treat at Taupo two weeks ago and could be a serious threat, even over this shorter trip fresh up. Disappointed a bit last prep but performed well as a strong 3YO running amongst the best. Finished 2nd on Xmas Eve in the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m), then checked our of it badly in the Rich Hill mile at Ellerslie. Bounced back with hard fought 2nd to ORCHESTRAL in the 4YO Aotoeroa Classic (1600m) returning at Ellerslie, then gave it away quickly in the Gr.1 WFA Otaki Maori Classic in February. Really looks in a forward condition for Andrew Forsman and if the speedsters are on it early, she may be the one running on best with room to move. Comes down here to kick off her campaign with a nice weight and senior jockey aboard.

☆☆☆☆

TURN THE ACE demonstrated exceptional competitiveness in the wet last winter, showcasing a strong performance by winning over 1200m at Te Rapa, and subsequently, set the pace to secure another victory over 1600m on the Waikato course. Placed three more times before failing in the Foxbridge 12 months ago and only started trialling again in July after an extended spell. The TURN ME LOOSE gelding trained by Suzy Gordon at Foxton finished 2nd to CYPRESS and BOLD BELLE in two trials on his home course before taking out the last one over 1000m there. The gelding demonstrates the capability to swiftly accelerate to a good pace and is difficult to overtake once rolling along in front. It seems Gordon has him back in good nick and working well, so we expect a nice hitout fresh up over this distance, but he may well need it and could be suspect late.

☆☆☆

The Byrce Newman trained BOLD BELLE hasn't been too far off them in recent times and would probably prefer a slightly improved track here. Last won at Trentham over 1100m in May last year, however, THE BOLD ONE mare finished 2nd to the slick sprinter LAZIO over 1000m in Wellington Oct 2024, before resuming with a solid run for 2nd over 1200m at Hawera in May. Didn't go on with it at Trentham in May, before a freshen up and decent jumpout win over TURN THE ACE at Foxton. Appeared far too keen at Woodville over 1200m at the latest while fresh, but only needs to settle handy with a decent trail to be featuring and certainly worth keeping an eye on in the prelims.

☆☆

RATING 75 HANDICAP

RACE 6 - 1600m

ZANZIBAR / MCKHAN / DEADLY PONY

Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman has taken his time developing this 5yo ZED gelding ZANZIBAR, and it appears to finally be paying dividends. Despite a less-than-ideal performance during the pervious spring racing season, the horse demonstrated significant improvement upon return in May, narrowly missing victory at Matamata, then progressing on to win his maiden over 1600m here at New Plymouth. Fought hard for 2nd in the wet at both Trentham and Rotorua before a tidy BM65 mile victory returning back to the Naki in July. Strong effort when 2nd to CHANTILLY LACE in the Interprovincial at New Plymouth and should be in top shape. Has the pedigree to be a serious staying talent, so don't be surprised if the stable step him up in trip past the mile if he performs well on Saturday.

☆☆☆☆☆

MCKHAN sounded a warning to his rivals that he is a would be a fair contender for the Interprovincial at New Plymouth, but overdid it in the preliminary and ran his race before the gates even opened. The seven-year-old MONGOLIAN KHAN gelding was in grand form a few months ago, but trainer Ashley Meadows decided to give the gelding a freshen up to recharge the batteries. Won a Foxton trial recently and has gone ahead in leaps and bounds before overcooking himself. Expect much better here if able to settle in the parade ring and the prelim will tell the story. Calm, then may run a big one. Willing to take a risk and suggest he can bounce back with an improved attitude.

☆☆☆

DEADLY PONY is a seriously underrated type who has been right amongst it in his last three runs, showing up on a Heavy tracks with some strong late work. Improved from midfield to fight it out with SWINGIT OUR WAY when 2nd over 1600m at Otaki, before another tough effort there as runner-up behind PRIDE OF ASPEN over the mile. Similar scenario when 3rd to WHEELIN IT at Hawera, all on Heavy 10 tracks with a sustained finish. The PUCCUNI mare trained by Lisa Latta seriously deserves a win after competing exceptionally well against some quality winter gallopers, and this could be her best opportunity, although a TOP4 looks the best bet.

☆☆

RATING 65 BENCHMARK

RACE 8 - 2040m

TEXTBOOK / TUTIN CANS / GRAND PROSPECT

The Lydia Pickford trained TEXTBOOK should be close to peak condition after a number of solid runs and although hard to catch, he has won here at Wanganui and should be well primed. Definitely no an exceptional talent, the WROTE gelding has won here at Wanganui and draws the ace gate this time which will offer a soft inside run. Kathy Hercock aboard and she has won two on the gelding and knows him well enough. There seems to be a bit of early money with the TAB keeping him safe, which raises our interest and on a better track he does look a serious chance.

☆☆☆☆

We've stuck by TUTIN CANS through thick and thin, and this short freshen up may be just what the horse needed. Trained on the course by JJ Rayner, the nine-year old ALAMOSA gelding has performed best at home and seems happy at the trip. The key is probably getting back closer ro a soft track, and if Amber Riddell can negate this gate and ride the horse wisely, then we may see a top run. Certainly no spring chicken, but never really been overraced and sure to be happier running within his local environment. Finished 4th twice at Hawera before a very tidy 2nd here in May. Love these odds and a good EW bet after a hurdle trial which may have switched him on nicely.

☆☆☆

The nine-year old HARADASUN gelding GRAND PROSPECT doesn't win many, but he has been going pretty well of late for Suzy Gordon, including a tough win over 2100m on a Heavy Woodville track two back. Kicked up the inner and fought hard behind AUTUMN BEAUTY over 2200m at Trentham in June, and not terrible when under a ride wider, but still running into 4th position over 2100m at Otaki last start. Tidy let up for a month so likely to hold plenty of residual fitness and the old bones should have enjoyed a nice recovery period. Really is the type to give this a bit of a nudge on a Heavy 10 and don't fully dismiss this old boy. Also nominated in the last.

☆☆

RATING 65 HANDICAP

RACE 3 - 1340m

RICHARD AND I / TRAINWRECK / LADY PERFORMER

Regrettably, the OCEAN PARK gelding RICHARD AND I was withdrawn two weeks ago, so he should be quite eager to perform and well forward. Out of the stylish SNITZEL mare UNTAMED DIAMOND, trainer Andrew Forsman has moulded the gelding with a slow but progressive build up beginning in spring 2024. Kicked and proved too good on the Cambridge synthetic in only his second start before giving hard chase behind CATCH A THIEF over 1200m at Matamata. Sent for a spell after the rider suggested he held his breath at Tauranga in January, then resumed in July with two solid runs. Continues to put in strong trackwork and potentially ready to fire third-up over this trip.

☆☆☆☆

The Wanganui trained gelding TRAINWRECK raced keenly throughout the early stages but kicked to hold on over 1400m at Trentham in May. Found the going a bit tougher in BM75 returning to Wellington over 1300m, although progressed on to achieve a bounce back performance when 2nd to BELLE'S FATE returning to Trentham. Not so prominent in the next two and it would be nice to see him on a slightly improved surface. The FABULOUS gelding was ultra consistent throughout 2024 and excelled on wet tracks, but due a much better run. Well worth pursuing here as a galloper likely to hit the ground running and try to press on from the turn.

☆☆☆

We tried grabbing LADY PERFORMER at big odds a few runs back and the mare charged home to run 2nd to KNOCK OFF over 1340m at Wanganui. The SACRED FALLS seven-year-old had been quietly building, with a third there and a battling run behind HORONUKU at Hawera, but getting through the winter tracks with some confidence. Got up to win with a big finish over 1400m at Hawera before a 3rd at Otaki over the same distance. Fair when 4th last time out and trainer Lydia Pickford has managed her campaign extremely well to bring out the best in the underrated mare. In essence she is a strong galliper who possesses a powerful finish, hard fit and maybe not quite done with yet.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP

RACE 9 - 2040m

OUR LADY BROOKE / JAMAICA FAREWELL / PARADIS

OUR LADY BROOKE does appear well-positioned here and recent form suggests another win is on the cards. The six-year-old DERRYN mare trained by the Thurlow/O'Malley team is out of a tough racemare in THE ALCHEMIST (Lucky Unicorn) and is bred to handle the Heavy. She was brave when 3rd to FREEBELLE in challenging conditions at Trentham before offering a big finish to win easily at Hawera over 2100m. Settled back then urged closer, winding up 2nd over the same trip at Otaki, then 2nd behind TAI at New Plymouth, and that form is good enough for this.

☆☆☆☆

A better track surface would be ideal for JAMAICA FAREWELL, who only has one win in the column but hasn't been running too badly at all this time in. May come across as a bit of a battler, however the SWEYNESSE mare won over 1400m at Te Rapa in May, then finished 2nd over the mile at New Plymouth. Hampered at Ruakaka in the next and was running on, before two reasonable efforts over the mile the last from well back at Waikato. Strong fields in both those contests so probably much better then it looked. Soft 7 or better then worthy of consideration.

☆☆☆

PARADIS Is an underrated type who has shown more then enough in three runs this prep and appears a threat at nice odds despite the wide gate. The lightly raced COMPLACENT marw is a half decent stayer when on top of her game and put in a big finish late to win over 1600m on a Heavy 10 at Otaki in June. Ran on when 4th at New Plymouth stepping up to the 1800m and a similar scenario when 5th at Otaki last start over 2100m after being checked early. Likely to be in firm condition for Suzy Gordon and look for her arriving late out wide.

☆☆

BEST BET: ZANZIBAR

NEXT BEST: MARY SHAN

BEST VALUE: BOZO

LONGSHOT: DEADLY PONY