SELECTIONS FOR THIS MEETING 10
SELECTIONS RUNNING IN THE FIRST FOUR POSITIONS 7
Course: Motukarara
Surface: Grass
The big race-day of the year for Banks Peninsula today with an 11 race card. Let's hope the forecast rain stays away and we get a competitive days racing. Good fields throughout the day too.
First Race Start Time: 12.37
Vulnerable Favourite: R5 #3 Augusta
R1
#5 Natives Brite Gem. Stand start short course specialist. Needs the early manners to be there but can give a sight if able to step away with them and lead. A nice enough effort over more ground at Rangiora on the grass. Value. 2nd $2.80 ($4.50 fixed odds place)
R2
#18 Ellmers Image. Is going sound races and deserves a winning turn. A step down in quality from the Methven run. The draw isn't ideal but I'm not all that put off by it either as he should still be able to position himself well enough early. I'm not sold on the ability of either Time Traveller or Wall Street Wolf. Each-way claims. 2nd $2.30
R4
#6 Turkish Trousers. Handled with care at recent Banks workouts. Nigel on so I'm thinking the stable-mate will attempt to find the front early and hand to this runner. Stable goes well here as a rule. Each-way but I'm hoping for a bit of value on the tote. Anything under $6 is too short. 4th
#5 Tahlia Franco. McNally generally produces results early in campaigns so I do expect a good showing today. Best saved for one run at them. Each-way chance with early manners. 2nd $1.60
R7
#10 Novak. High speed individual who found the line very well behind Red Moon Rising at Methven. Awful draw from which to extricate himself from early but with luck he's a strong contender in this field. 4th
R9
#10 Clasina Maria. Value in this after a very sound Rangiora run which saw her close in behind the pace after an early gallop. She's always found the line well on grass and loves this track. Will be a force late if she's able to lob a position near enough to the speed early. Would appreciate mid-race pace being solid. 2nd $2.50
R10
#5 Bonnie Joan. Strong filly who was travelling well before being checked at Rangiora. The debut run was of an arrogant nature. I'd like to see her driven forward today. With a stolen sectional from the top she'll be hard to beat. 2nd $1.40
