Riverton Tips & Preview | Friday 8 May

Celestial Flame (#6) improved nicely second-up at Ascot Park last start, where she didn’t enjoy the smoothest run but still closed off well into 4th. She now steps up in trip on what will be a testing surface, which should be fine given she now has two runs under her belt this campaign. From the wide draw, expecting Amber Riddell to be positive early and follow Aspen Voltage across in what looks a race lacking genuine tempo. Looks a leading contender in a fairly moderate field. 

Marcus Attillus (#2) is a 3yo son of Circus Maximus who resumes here for the Robert Dennis stable after making the move south. He was last seen grinding away fairly at Taranaki and it was an effort that suggested he may be better suited on Heavy tracks. This looks a fairly soft maiden field for his South Island debut and if he handles the conditions as expected, he should acquit himself well. 

Flying Julz (#11) makes her debut for the Kelvin Tyler stable and looks an interesting runner on her home track. She is out of Flying Sardine, who relished Heavy conditions throughout her career, and there’s every chance this filly follows in her footsteps. Drawn the inside, she should be able to settle prominently from the outset under Amber Riddell. She could prove hard to run down if she cops the conditions. 

Martell (#1) comes here third-up after two moderate efforts to begin his campaign, but those runs should have brought him on nicely for this assignment. The Heavy conditions look ideal for him and he gets in well at the weights after the claim. From the low draw he maps to secure a handy run just off the speed and should get every opportunity to improve sharply in this company. 

Sympathique (#3) is as honest as they come and looks to have found a suitable race to chase career win number 10. She was solid late here last start when finishing 5th from the back, and her typical get-back racing pattern may prove advantageous again late in the day when wider lanes could become preferable. Another genuine effort looks likely. 

Ziggy Stardust (#5) comes out of Open Handicap company at Ascot Park where she stuck on gamely for 3rd after racing handy throughout. She drops back into R75 grade here and looks very well placed on another testing Heavy track. Back up to 1400m suits and from the low draw Corey Campbell should be able to secure a soft run close to the speed. Looks hard to beat. 

Vitebsk (#3) is worth forgiving for her last start flop where she was slow away and forced to work hard through the middle stages thereafter. She should strip fitter now fourth-up and the Heavy conditions hold no concerns. The engagement of a senior rider and a couple of gear changes look positive and a much-improved showing would not surprise. 

Mamaea (#5) bounced back to form nicely at Wingatui last start when finishing 2nd after struggling on a very testing track at Ascot Park prior. She remains at the mile here and looks well placed down in the weights after Kendra Bakker’s claim. From the low draw she should be able to settle prominently and give another honest sight in an even race to close the card.