Te Rapa Tips & Preview | Friday 30 January

Navy Dreams (#8) comes here off a solid effort for 5th in the Listed Gingernuts Salver last start and now drops back into maiden company. He closed off nicely over 2100m on that occasion and remaining at the same trip here looks ideal. From his low draw he maps to settle just ahead of midfield with cover and, in this company, he should take plenty of beating.

Roaring Bebe (#3) is an ex-Hong Kong galloper who made an excellent impression first-up at Ellerslie, finishing 2nd behind subsequent winner Miss Jones. He should take significant improvement from that run and looks well suited staying at 1200m second-up. Drawn to settle in the first few under Vinnie Colgan, he shapes as the one to beat.

Le Jacques Cartier (#4) is a 3yo son of Astern making his debut for the Walker/Tata stable after winning all three of his trials, most recently holding off progressive filly Single Red. Opie Bosson takes the ride and from the wide draw he’s likely to be positive early and look to cross most, if not all of these. If he brings his trial form to raceday, he looks capable of making a winning debut.

Tale Of The Gypsy (#10) is a 3yo Written By filly resuming for Stephen Marsh after finishing down the track in the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas back in September. She has trialled boldly ahead of her return, leading and holding her rivals comfortably in her trial. She draws to settle in a prominent position, and in a fresh state, I wouldn’t be surprised if she gave a bold sight.

Frozen Fortune (#11) is a 3yo Proisir filly who stuck on bravely for 5th on debut at Ellerslie after being caught three-wide without cover on a genuine tempo throughout. She draws to enjoy a far more economical run this time and should be able to hold a forward position from the low draw under Jasmine Fawcett. In what doesn’t appear a deep maiden, she looks well placed to improve sharply.

Night Wolf (#18) is dual accepted here and in Race 5, and if he takes his place in this assignment he looks a leading chance. He comes off a solid 3rd behind subsequent Gr.3 placegetter Waimea Bay, having raced on speed throughout and fought on well to the line. He has shown versatility in his racing pattern and from the wide draw can be ridden accordingly depending on early pressure underneath. On paper, this shapes as a very winnable maiden for him.

Virgo Viva (#11) wasn’t disgraced in the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes last start, where she may have found the mile a touch too far at this stage of her career. She looks much better suited dropping back to 1400m and dropping back into R65 company, and with Craig Grylls aboard from a low draw she should be able to settle handy to the early speed. Expecting her to bounce back in this company.

Rosalina (#19) is a 3yo Almanzor filly on debut for the James/Wellwood stable who showed sharp improvement in her most recent trial, winning with ease in a time that stacked up well against others on the day. The wide draw is the obvious query on debut, particularly with the rail out and the track expected to be racing in a fast state. If she can find a back to follow without being last, she looks capable of running a big race on debut.

Volunteer (#8) has shown marked improvement across his two runs this preparation, showing more ability than he had in his earlier four starts. He draws much better for this and the way he’s been rounding off his races suggests the mile will suit. Craig Grylls sticks with him, and at the price he appeals as a solid each-way chance to close out the card.