Riccarton Synthetic Tips & Preview | Thursday 14 May

Russian Blues (#8) comes here third-up after finishing off nicely for 3rd over this track two weeks ago. She should strip fitter for that effort and looks well suited remaining on the synthetic surface. In a race that maps to be run at a genuine tempo, Kendra Bakker should be able to settle midfield with cover, looking to finish over the top late. With further natural improvement, she looks capable of going very close.

Tumuch (#1) produced a very respectable effort for 3rd in the Easter Cup last start behind the likes of Stonybreck and Sir Albert. The drop back to 1200m is the obvious query, although he has handled the drop back in trip previously. Expect him to settle back off what looks a genuine speed before charging late. One of the better performed polytrack runners in the country and looks a leading contender.

Hello Bess (#2) over-raced with the blinkers on first-up over this course/distance, bowling along freely in front before boxing on strongly for 4th. The blinkers come off here, which may help her settle better second-up. She already has a synthetic win to her name after scoring impressively on debut here at this course/distance. This looks a suitable race for her to bounce back into winning form.

Voguish (#11) has made a strong impression since joining the Pitman stable in the South Island. She was unlucky first-up at Ashburton before producing a very good effort for 3rd in the Listed Warstep Stakes last start. Dropping back to maiden grade and back to the mile both look ideal, and if she handles the synthetic footing, she should take a power of beating under Matt Cartwright.

Tears Of Victory (#9) comes into this off a solid effort for 2nd at Woodville where she rolled forward and fought on strongly in the straight. She returns to the synthetic surface here, which suits her well, and maps to press forward again from the wide draw under Corey Campbell. This doesn’t look the strongest R65 field on paper and she appears well placed to give a bold sight.

Wanderin Spelle (#1) had little luck at Riccarton last start, racing in restricted room for much of the straight before finishing a close-up 5th. His sole career win came on the synthetic and he looks well suited returning to that surface here. From the wide draw he should get back off what looks a strong speed and he’ll be finishing off as strongly as any late.

Champagne Linda (#5) comes here off a close-up 4th over 1800m at Riccarton, where she settled handy from her wide draw and boxed on gamely to the line. She rises to 2200m for the first time, which is the obvious query, although she maps to get a good run ahead of midfield with cover under Tina Comignaghi. If she handles both the trip and the surface, she should be very hard to beat. A couple of big “ifs” but we’re getting the right price to find out.  

Leinster (#11) ran a very encouraging race at Riccarton last start when making up good ground from the rear before peaking late into 4th. He maps to get back again from the wide draw under Bridget Grylls, but the expected strong tempo should play perfectly into his hands. If he is within striking distance turning for home, he looks a genuine each way contender at odds. 

Vivacious (#1) caught the eye last start when savaging the line late into 3rd behind Iron Hawk at Riccarton. She should be nearing peak fitness now fourth-up and looks very well suited returning to the synthetic. A much kinder draw may allow her to settle a touch closer in the run this time and with even luck in the straight, she should be hitting the line strongly again late.