Ōtaki hosts an eight-race program on Saturday, with the track currently rated a Soft5 and the rail in the true position. A clear forecast leading into raceday should ensure conditions remain no worse than a Soft5 throughout.
Selections for each of the eight below:
Derrick (#1) comes into this off a fair effort for 3rd at Waipukurau last start, where he enjoyed a favourable run but was ultimately no match for the winner late. He looks better suited returning to firmer footing here and remaining at 1400m from the low draw should allow him to secure a soft run in transit. Expect him to settle back of midfield with cover before looking to finish over the top late.
Albarossa (#2) returned to winning form in impressive style at Tauherenikau last start, sitting wide without cover throughout and proving too strong late. He draws ideally here and should again land in a prominent position from the outset. The step up to 1100m doesn’t look an issue, and with a repeat of his latest effort, he should go very close again.
Shameless Star (#2) drops sharply in grade after contesting the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes last start and looks very well placed back in this company. She gets in attractively at the weights with Toni Davies’ claim taking her down to 54kg, and from the wide draw in a small field, they may elect to roll forward early and put her into the race. She has as much ability as anything here and looks capable of bouncing straight back to winning form.
Hellavuh Return (#1) was a strong winner over 2200m at Waverley last start, capitalising on a perfect run before putting her rivals away comfortably late. She drops in grade despite winning last start, although she does rise in the weights as a result. Expect her to be ridden quietly again and saved for one run at them late. She’s a mare in form, there’s no reason to jump off now.
Debit (#5) is a lightly tried and naturally speedy 6yo mare resuming here after last being seen back in October. She looked sharp winning a recent trial in blinkers, stretching clear stylishly late, and the blinkers remain on for raceday. Drawn low here under Mereana Hudson, she maps to find the front and could prove very hard to reel in if allowed to dictate terms.
Southern Chilli (#12) resumes here after last being seen at Trentham in March and has had the benefit of a strong recent trial win to prepare for this assignment. She led throughout in that trial and kicked away impressively late, suggesting she is in good order heading here. From the inside draw she should settle just off the speed in what looks a genuinely run race, and at the price she appeals as a solid each way chance.
Bridal Train (#8) had no luck whatsoever at Te Rapa last start, running into dead-ends in the straight when finishing off strongly and went to the line untested thereafter. She gets into this ideally at the weights carrying just 53kg under Kelly Myers. With a cleaner getaway, she should be able to settle much closer in the run this time from the low draw. With even luck this time around, she looks the horse they all have to beat.
Skymax (#10) produced a huge effort at Te Rapa last start when trapped three-wide without cover on a genuine tempo before fighting on bravely into 5th. He maps to get a much kinder run from the low draw here, likely settling near the speed without having to work as hard through the early and mid-stages of the race. In what looks a very even race on paper, he looks overs at the price and can give this a real shake.