Ellerslie Tips & Preview | Saturday 23 May

Fatal Affair (#5) is a 2yo Home Affairs filly making her debut for Stephen Marsh. She has created a big impression through her recent trial performances, winning both trials stylishly and showing very sharp early speed in her latest hit-out. With what looks a genuine tempo engaged on paper, Matt Cartwright may elect to let her find her feet early from the middle draw. If she can reproduce her trial form on raceday, she looks like taking plenty of beating here. 

Rosetown Princess (#5) was one of the eye-catchers behind Pacifico in the Rotorua Cup last start, where she was badly held up at a key stage before charging home once clear. The smaller field here should suit her and she maps to settle off the speed, being saved for one run at them late. Firmer footing also looks a positive for her more so than others in this. At the price, she appeals as a good value play over those at the pointy end of the market. 

Arthur (#3) resumed with a fair effort at Rotorua, where he travelled fairly well before not looking to let down all to well on the Heavy footing. He should strip fitter for the run and the rise to 1500m second-up looks ideal. The booking of Samantha Collett may signal intent from the low draw, where he maps to either lead or trail in what looks only a moderately run race on paper. He shapes as a strong chance to go close with natural improvement. 

Kitten Heels (#14) is a 3yo Snitzel filly who is worth forgiving for her latest effort at Matamata, where she raced too keenly with blinkers on for the first time. The blinkers come straight back off here and she draws the inside gate here. That should allow her to settle much closer in transit and Warren Kennedy should be able to give her every opportunity from there. Her previous 4th here was very solid and if she can return to that level, she should be thereabouts in this at a price. 

Gate Crashers (#1) produced a brave effort for 3rd at Te Rapa last start after being left in front a long way from home and stuck on gamely in the straight thereafter. He should take further improvement now third-up this campaign and the drop back in both grade and distance looks ideal. He maps to control proceedings up on speed, and if allowed to dictate terms, he can give a big sight. 

El Viento (#6) heads into this third-up after two very solid efforts to begin his campaign. He sustained a long run after being forced wide on the bend at Te Rapa last start and still finished off strongly into 4th. The much kinder draw here should allow him to hold a position closer to the speed along the rail and if the gaps go his way, he could prove very hard to hold out late. 

Bellarista (#4) resumed with a strong effort for 3rd behind Grinzinger Moon over 1100m here, and that form has already been franked with Grinzinger Moon being a sub winner since. She should improve with the run and the rise in trip looks ideal. While the wide draw is not ideal on paper, she possesses enough early speed for Matt Cartwright to press forward and potentially settle on speed. In what looks a very open race, happy to be with her at the price. 

Orson Stone (#4) was enormous here over 1500m last week when sustaining a long run from the back and making up significant ground late to finish 3rd. The rise to 1600m on the quick turnaround looks ideal and he gains a much more favourable draw this time around. Matt Cartwright taking the ride is another positive. He looks to be nearing another win and gets his opportunity here.