Rotorua hosts a seven-race program on Wednesday, with the track rated a Heavy10 and the rail out 3m from the 1560m to the 1300m, and 5.5m for the remainder. Despite a clear forecast, significant rainfall over the past week is expected to keep conditions very testing throughout, with little improvement anticipated across the card.
Selections for each of the seven races found in our below Rotorua midweek tips and preview:
Jachimo (#9) is a 3yo Tarzino gelding who has produced two honest efforts to begin his career, finding the line well on both occasions without threatening to win. The Heavy10 is the unknown, but he looks a dour type who could grind through the conditions. Troy Harris takes the ride in this high weight, which is a positive, and if he handles the going, he should be right in the finish.
Bassoroc (#2) comes into this fifth-up after a strong effort for 3rd at Te Aroha, where she worked home well despite covering ground throughout. A testing surface should play to her strengths, particularly if this turns into a true staying contest. Troy Harris is a key booking and with recent race fitness on her side, she looks a leading contender.
Balance Of Power (#4) resumed at Ellerslie over 1500m and finished down the track but should derive good benefit from that run. The rise to 1560m second-up on a Heavy track could suit, although the testing conditions remain a query. Opie Bosson taking over in the saddle is a strong positive, and he looks capable of running an improved race.
Malleable (#1) resumes here, last seen going down narrowly over 1500m at Tauranga. He has shown the ability to run well fresh in the past, but the testing track without a trial leading in is the obvious concern. That said, the stable can have them ready to go and if he handles conditions, he is capable of a bold showing first-up.
Chaos Creator (#12) is a 2yo filly who has improved with each run this campaign, culminating in a strong 2nd at Avondale last start. She handled the Heavy going there and should again be fine in the conditions here. From a wide draw she should find the better going and looks well placed down in the weights taking on older horses. Can go close if she continues on the upward trend.
Shuffle The Pack (#9) resumed with a very good effort at Avondale on a Heavy deck, finishing just under a length from the winner over 1200m that day. She should strip fitter for the outing and looks likely to cop the conditions again here. Drawn wide with Michael McNab aboard, she can find the right part of the track and looks a leading contender in an even race.
Scarlet Temple (#1) returned with a solid effort at Avondale, finishing off well despite racing in the inferior ground late. She will be fitter for that run and the step up in trip suits second-up. Another Heavy track is in her favour and she looks well suited at the weights after the claim. Shapes as a strong each way chance to close the card.