Strong Richards hand
Hastings, G1 Livamol Classic, NZ$250,000, 2040m
Jamie Richards looks to hold all the aces here with defending champion Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands), Avantage (Fastnet Rock) and Prise De Fer (NZ) (Savabeel).
Melody Belle beat Avantage last time out in the G1 Windsor Park Plate off a light build-up so she should strip fitter here and will take a power of beating.
Prise De Fer came from a mile back for fifth in that race and he is going to be more comfortable over this trip. With Opie Bosson in the saddle he looks sure to prove ultra-competitive.
Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) will relish to the step up to a middle distance and appeals as a strong prospect while Tiptronic (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) is a newcomer to the meeting and is suited by the weight-for-age scale.
Vancooga (NZ) (Proisir) suffered interference at the start of the Windsor Park and was never a factor after that, but she’s worth a look at odds. She was runner-up in last season’s G1 New Zealand Oaks so this trip is ideal for her at this stage of her preparation.
Dolcetto (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) is a genuine customer and well-seasoned following his solid run for third in the Foxton Cup and was fourth in this event 12 months ago.
First-up specialist
Hastings, G3 Red Badge Spring Sprint, NZ$70,000, 1400m
Rock On Wood (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) is a talented performer and has trialled well ahead of his return. He has won five of his six first-up runs so he deserves serious consideration.
London Express (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) was runner-up at this level last time out so is in good touch and an easing of the track would help her while G1 Zabeel Classic winner True Enough (NZ) (Nom Du Jeu {NZ}) has plenty of weight, but is effective off a break.
True Enough (NZ)
Hypnos (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}), Motivation (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) and Vigor Winner (Declaration Of War {USA}) have all been racing well enough in lesser company to be afforded chances.
Go Nicholas (NZ) (Danroad) is getting on, but his last-start win proved he still retains his zest for racing and Sheezallmine (NZ) (Super Easy {NZ}) has plenty of pace. Seeing out a strong 1400 metres is the question mark on her chances.
Standout hope
Randwick, G3 Fujitsu General Sydney S., $500,000, 1200m
Standout (Exceed And Excel) has been mixing it with some top sprinters of late and he gets a chance to capitalise on a drop in class. He has finished fifth behind leading The Everest contenders Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt) and Libertini (I Am Invincible) at his last two runs.
Deprive (Denman) was a sound third at his most recent appearance and if he can overcome an awkward gate can be right in the firing line again.
Brave Song (Your Song) was out of the frame when resuming, but is a second-up winner while stablemate Signore Fox (Exceed And Excel) has won five times at this trip and has each way appeal.
The other Team Snowden representative is Military Zone (Epaulette) and his last trial was encouraging and he has won off a break in the past. Special Reward (Demerit) turned in a sound run for fifth in the G3 Cameron H. and a decent chance with a repeat performance.
Star prospect
Randwick, G3 Yulong Australia Craven Plate, $500,000, 2000m
Star Of The Seas (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) deserves to take a major trick with two Group 1 runner-up finishes from his last three outings. He was unplaced in the G1 Epsom, but this is easier and 2000 metres shouldn’t trouble him.
Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) was out of the picture in the G1 Metropolitan, but she was only 4.8l off the winner. This trip suits her and she has the benefit of the in-form Rachel King in the saddle.
Star Of The Seas (NZ)
Group 1 performer Quintessa (Pierro) has one middle distance run under her belt and can be more competitive while Scarlet Dream (Sebring) hasn’t won for a while, but a step up in distance will be to her liking.
Think It Over (So You Think {NZ}) was fifth in the G1 Hill S. and this company should be more to his liking and Vanna Girl (Husson {Arg}) never got into the Epsom. If she can reproduce her Queensland form a turnaround could be on the cards.
Fresh mare a threat
Ascot, G3 Crown Perth Northerly S., $150,000, 1400m
Kay Cee (Playing God) is a gifted mare and as the G1 Kingston Town S. winner looks well-placed for a successful return. Her fresh form is also good and she’s unbeaten in three runs at the trip.
Massimo (Sessions) is in grand touch and completed a hat-trick with success in the Listed Farnley S. so he’s in the right order for a sterner test and stablemate Money Matters (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) won the Listed Hannans S. to give Adam Durrant a powerful hand.
With two runs under his belt, Vital Silver (Wanted) should be more competitive while Taxagano (Rogano) is first-up and has won off a break in the past. Red Can Man (Gingerbread Man) was sound when resuming and has a strong second-up record.
