Wingatui hosts an eight-race card on Friday, with the track rated a Soft5 and the rail out 3m from the 1900m to the 300m, remainder in the true position. The forecast for much of the Otago region could be very hit and miss, meaning the surface may range anywhere from a Soft5 through to Heavy if the worst of the weather arrives.
Selections for each of the eight races below:
Just A Brown Horse (#2) resumed off a lengthy spell here over this course and distance and worked home strongly into 3rd. He should take good improvement from that effort and looks poised to run a further improved race second-up. From the low draw he should get an economical run and will be aided by Kendra Bakker’s claim again here. At the price, he appeals as a solid each-way chance.
| 2. Just A Brown Horse (2) J: Kendra Bakker 58.5kg 009X3 T: Len & Lacy Stewart |
Golden Spirit (#11) was an eye-catcher in the Dunedin Guineas last start, finishing strongly into a close-up 2nd. She now drops sharply back in grade back into maiden company and retains Kylie Williams in the saddle from a middle draw. On exposed form, she has more ability and upside than anything else in this field. Only bad luck beats her it’d seem.
| 11. Golden Spirit (6) J: Kylie Williams 56kg 2202 T: Brian & Shane Anderton |
The Hangover (#3) produced his best run this campaign when finishing 2nd here last start behind subsequent Group 3 winner Inflamed. He looks well placed here at the weights, carrying just 54kg after Donovan Cooper’s claim, and should enjoy a similar setup settling back off a genuine tempo. If the race unfolds similarly, he should be charging home again late.
| 3. The Hangover (5) J: Donovan Cooper 55kg 39792 T: Robert Dennis |
Lindy May (#10) is a 3yo Eminent filly who comes into this third-up after two solid placings to begin her campaign. The wide draw here is the main concern, as she will need some luck early to slot in. In a race that lacks much exposed form, she shapes as somewhat of a known quantity. If she runs up to her recent efforts, she looks a leading contender.
| 10. Lindy May (10) J: Yogesh Atchamah 56kg 40X22 T: Nayton Mitchell |
Eye Spy (#7) comes here third-up after an unplaced effort over 1400m where she didn’t have all favours early in the straight and appeared to peak late in the run to the line. Off that effort, the drop back to 1200m looks suitable and from the low draw she should enjoy a soft run in transit off what appears a genuine tempo. An improved showing here wouldn’t surprise.
| 7. Eye Spy (2) J: Corey Campbell 55.5kg 33X49 T: Brian & Shane Anderton |
Arctic Ocean (#7) ran a strong race for 3rd here at this course/distance last start in R75 company, finishing off nicely from midfield. She should settle in a similar position again from the middle draw and looks suited dropping back into R65 grade. In what looks an even race on paper, she shapes as a solid each-way chance at the price.
| 7. Arctic Ocean (5) J: Mereana Hudson 57.5kg 02003 T: Maurice Forde |
Assemble (#3) hasn’t quite measured up in 3yo stakes company at her past couple, but her effort in the Dunedin Guineas last start was respectable. She drops back to R65 grade here, draws much better, and should settle a touch closer in the run. This looks a far more suitable assignment and she can improve sharply.
| 3. Assemble (3) J: Corey Campbell 56.5kg 3108 T: Brian & Shane Anderton |
Perfect Tycoon (#1) has been one of the more progressive types in the far south this year, having only won his maiden two months ago before finishing a luckless 5th in the ODT Mile last start. He drops back into R75 company and remains at the mile, both of which looks ideal. Any rain won’t hurt his chances and he shapes as a leading contender in the last on the card.
| 1. Perfect Tycoon (8) J: Daniel Bothamley 59kg 41115 T: Shankar Muniandy |