Races ORX Riccarton Park - NZ

Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign when last of 9 at Wingatui November 4 over 1400m, 11 len behind Inflamed carrying 59.5kg at $12.50. Previous preparation first-up won by 3 len Wingatui June 1 over 1400m on heavy track defeating Go Lotte carrying 52.5kg at $13.30. Expecting a strong run fresh.

Mare returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign won by neck Riccarton Park Synthetic August 21 over 1200m defeating Dimaggio carrying 58kg at $1.80. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by 1.5 len Riccarton Park Synthetic July 24 over 1200m defeating Delphillius carrying 56kg at $1.40. Form shown last campaign makes for good reading.

Form hard to fault. Comes off a 52 day let-up. At the latest run 2nd of 12 at Trentham on December 14 over 1200m, 0.5 len behind Reward Smile with 54kg at $11.40. Before that 3rd of 11 at this track in the LR Steward's Stakes on November 15 over 1200m, on rain affected going; 1.75 len behind Inflamed carrying 53kg at $7.50. Will take plenty of beating.

Last start 12th of 14 at this track in the LR Timaru Stakes on January 24 over 1200m, on rain affected going; 9 len behind Pour The Wine with 53kg at $6.70. The run before that won by 1.5 len at this track January 14 over 1200m on a rain affected track defeating Spartan with 57.5kg at $4. Prepared to overlook that last run; expecting sharp improvement.

Most recently 7th of 14 at this track in the LR Timaru Stakes on January 24 over 1200m, on rain affected going; 4 len behind Pour The Wine with 53kg at $31.50. The start before that ran on strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 7 at Kumara on January 10 over 1150m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind Illicit Dreams carrying 58.5kg at $6.90. Rates highly on best form and given another chance here.

Returns from a 40-day let-up. Last start 6th of 11 at Wingatui on December 26 over 1200m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Brave Spirit carrying 54.5kg at $69.30. The start before that won by 1.0 len at Cromwell November 28 over 1220m in soft going defeating Penvose Lad with 54kg at $4. Not keen on her chances.

Last start 2nd of 8 at this track on January 14 over 1200m, slow going 1.5 len behind Texas Dolly carrying 57.5kg at $26.30. The start before that 7th of 10 at Phar Lap Racecourse on December 28 over 1200m, slow going 2.5 len behind Second Chance with 59kg at $11.80. Thereabouts last time out. In the mix.

At the latest run 3rd in a small field at Reefton on January 7 over 1400m, slow going 3 len behind Say Satono carrying 53kg at $11.20. The run before that raced on the speed throughout before fading to run last of 7 at Kurow on December 30 over 1400m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Palace Princess with 54kg at $21.90. Not likely to take this out.

Last start 6th of 8 at this track on January 14 over 1200m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Texas Dolly carrying 59kg at $4.60. The race before that 3rd of 10 at Phar Lap Racecourse on December 28 over 1200m, on a slow track; 0.5 len behind Second Chance carrying 59kg at $4.60. Expect he will make amends.