G1 Thorndon Mile, NZ$220,000, 1600m
Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) put on a good show in this race last year and the 2022 edition is another interesting one with the classy mares Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) and Covetina Bay (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) amongst the early favourites on the back of outstanding form.
Flying home late after finding trouble at the 200 metres in the G1 Zabeel Classic last start, Two Illicit is back in distance here but two starts back was dominant winning the G1 Captain Cook S. over this trip - defeating Prise De Fer (NZ) (Savabeel) who also lines up here having ran soundly in the Zabeel Classic.
Coventina Bay easily won the G2 Challenge S. first-up, catching the eye with a strong finish in the G3 Anniversary H. over this trip last start - she is nicely primed.
The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) has trialled nicely in preparation for his return. It has been 11 months since he last raced in New Zealand and what a run that was - an unlucky fast-finishing second in the G1 Herbie Dyke S. He can pull out a run fresh, kicking off his last campaign with a G2 Feehan S. third.
Mali Ston (NZ) (El Roca) has been going from strength to strength - the five-time winner from just seven starts impressive taking out the G2 Rich Hill Mile last start. Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) also comes off winning form but is back in distance off her G3 City Of Auckland Cup success.
Mai Tai (NZ) (Atlante) was only just beaten by Mali Storm last start whilst Masetto (NZ) (Cape Blanco {Ire}) has won a trial since finding the line very well (held up in the straight) in the G2 Rich Hill Mile. Harlech (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) is capable of improvement back in trip.
G3 Wellington Cup, NZ$300,000, 3200m
Uareastar (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}) rises to the two miles for the first time but is promising and in form, finding the line very well in the Listed Marton Cup last start.
Notabadharada (NZ) (Haradasun) showed good fight in the Karaka Cup and was a winner over 2500 metres in the spring. Wannabe 'N' Paris (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) seems to be looking for more ground
Zed (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) sired last year's winner Waisake (NZ) and has two contestants this year - Marietta Lane (NZ) nicely primed for the distance whilst He No Opilio (NZ) was an improver on pace last time out.
The Zabeel (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}) has further representation here - Starrybeel (NZ) (Savabeel) who sticks on well, Firoden (NZ) (Denman) who just keeps racing well, Skyphyta (NZ) (Pierro) who has a Listed New Zealand St Leger placing over 2600 metres on his resume and Because (NZ) (Savabeel) who would appreciate some sting out of the ground.
Mondorani (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) backs up having finished off well in the Summer Cup last weekend whilst Sulu Sea (NZ) (Sweet Orange {USA}), Platinum Spirit (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) and Lincoln King (NZ) (Shocking) have also been finding the line well of late.
G3 Desert Gold S., NZ$80,000, 1600m
La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos {Fr}) is doing everything right, yet to miss a placing in five starts - showing good heart after being headed to win at Ellerslie three weeks ago. She found trouble late in Listed company two starts ago and is ready for a black-type breakthrough.
Rue Cler (NZ) (Proisir) has also had just the five starts and is showing promise, charging late at Awapuni last time out. Invincibeel (NZ) (Savabeel) is another to have really found the line well last start whilst Polly Plum (Xtravagant {NZ}) was dominant leading throughout at Te Repa.
Sassy Merlot (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) fought on gamely for a G2 Wellington Guineas placing whilst Shining Peak (NZ) (Turn Me Loose {NZ}) found trouble at Tauranga but was still good to the line. Princess Lowry (NZ) (Roc De Cambes {NZ}) is still a maiden but a very promising one.
Riccarton: Listed Timaru S., NZ$60,000, 1400m
Miss Tycoon Rose (Written Tycoon) was not at her best on a Heavy track last start but was in fine form previously and can bounce back at her favourite course.
Live Drama (NZ) (Ghibellines) is down in class having found the line well in the G1 Telegraph S.
My World (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) is racing in great heart as is Seriously (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}) who just keeps trying hard. As does Beneficial (NZ) (Highly Recommended) who has been a game runner-up in stakes company at her last two starts.
Harbourside (NZ) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) looked to have a bit in hand at this course last start and I Am A Rock (NZ) (Rock 'N' Pop) is also in good form.
