OPEN HANDICAP
RACE 2 - 1340m

BASEL WARRIOR / SINDEE / HERBERT

The Jim Collett trained BASEL WARRIOR was tremendous charging from the rear to win at Te Rapa last start and can repeat the dose down in the weights with Sam Collett aboard again. SINDEE has won 2/3 here at Wanganui but this will be her first crack at the trip. Quality Allan Sharrock horse who deserves favouritism and drawn to play a major role with Kelly Myers in the saddle. HERBERT has been out of form and will need to lug a big weight, but he is all class, won his only two runs here and will get a soft run from the inside. Could turn it around at a moments notice.

RATING 75 BENCHMARK
RACE 8 - 2040m

AMYER STAR / BLUE JEANIE / COULTHARD

Getting nice odds on the Forsman runner AMYER STAR who will have Billy Pinn aboard and her win over 1560m at Rotorua last start was particularly strong. Needs a good ride, although this ALMANZOR gelding is weighted to get into the finish. BLUE JEANIE was a touch average last start, but the two runs back were nice, including an impressive win here over the mile coming wider. Awkwardly drawn the issue. COULTHARD could be ready to show his best work after a tough run in good company at Trentham last start. Good for 3rd here prior and does look ready to fire with Sammy Collett aboard.

RATING 75 BENCHMARK
RACE 4 - 1200m

COOPER / DEBBI HARRI / EGYPTIAN QUEEN

Really keen on COOPER in this with Bruno riding as the TIVACI gelding won very well here over this two back before a disappointing run last start. Willing to forgive and say he bounces back with this crack Brazilian jockey aboard who is a better fit than McNab. DEBBI HARRI has the blistering speed to get on with the job and make it a genuinely run race. Recent runs have been strong and possibly ready to stretch them right to the line. Keep safe with Collett aboard. Te Akau have EGYPTIAN QUEEN down here to win, and her sprint record overall in the north is tidy, although she does find it hard to win. Serious threat fresh up with the claim and they would have prepped the ZOUSTAR mare well forward.

RATING 65 BENCHMARK
RACE 7 - 1600m

UNCLE KEN / JOHN DOE / REDANA

We thought the SAVABEEL gelding UNCLE KEN was ready to go fresh up, but ended up trapped wide and back. Form on the Synthetic last prep was excellent and willing to allow another chance on a Good track. JOHN DOE won very well at Otaki and can go on with it here. Seems progressive enough, so can get amongst it late. Keen on REDANA here at a price as the REDWOOD mare hasn't been too bad despite only one win in 31 starts. Could grab a piece with a bit of luck. Winning will be harder though.

RATING 65 BENCHMARK
RACE 5 - 1340m

KIA KAHA / SHACKTIME / LANTERN WAY

Marshy brings KIA KAHA down to Wanganui looking for easier company to slay and she is a quality SUPER SETH mare who has taken on stronger fields in the north. Really should be winning this after two solid runs at Rotorua and Taupo. Perfect gate with Leighton on a good pick up. SHACKTIME hasn't really lived up to expectations for Allan Sharrock, but at these odds we're will to have a crack, particularly if the track firms right up. Fresh up and only four times to the races, so maybe this trainer can get the TIVACI mare to fly first up. LANTERN WAY has been around the block but appears nicely positioned here with a sound track record and a few runs behind him for Latta. Be no surprise to see the gelding get up and win this.

BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP

RACE 6 - 1600m

EIZUS / JAEGER / ALATION

Not a race we're that interested in as EIZUS from the Sharrock stable looks the short-priced obvious pick. The SWEYNESSE mare has been in fine touch and worth including in multiples with Kelly aboard. JAEGER looms as the main danger from the Patterson barn and shouldn't be underestimated. Bit flat the last two but up in trip, only needs to handle the firm track. ALATION went much better for 4th last start and is pretty handy at the trip. Nice weight and these odds are tempting.

BEST BET: BASEL WARRIOR

NEXT BEST: KIA KAHA

BEST VALUE: AMYER STAR

WILDCARD: SHACKTIME