Waverley Tips & Preview | Saturday 9 May

Kay’s Ruebe (#6) resumed from a lengthy spell at Hawera and produced a strong effort running on well into 2nd. She should strip much fitter for that outing and the rise to 1400m second-up looks ideal. From the wide draw, Kelly Myers will likely settle back and look to finish off hard late again here. Looks capable of going one better with natural improvement.

Vantage Point (#3) ran a very good race for 4th at Te Rapa last start after being trapped wide and working throughout. He draws more favourably here, which should allow him to secure a much softer run in transit. He maps to settle just off the speed and may well track key rival Swordsman throughout. Happy to be in his corner at the price.

Rusty Lane (#2) returned to form in impressive fashion at Woodville last start over 2100m, where he travelled comfortably midfield before finishing off strongly late. He looks well placed again here carrying just 0.5kg above the minimum and maps to secure an ideal run just off the speed from the middle draw. If he reproduces his last start effort, he should take plenty of beating again.

Early’s One (#1) handled the rise to R65 company well last start, finishing a close-up 2nd on Heavy footing that day. He draws to settle midfield with cover in what looks a genuinely run race and the booking of a strong senior rider in Jonathan Riddell looks a positive. In a fairly moderate staying contest, he shapes as the horse to beat.

Capaci (#10) is a progressive Tivaci filly who appears to be building nicely through her preparation this time in. She closed off solidly behind Lerado and Hakkinen for 3rd at Otaki last start, which reads very well for this. Drawn kindly under Kelly Myers, she to settle midfield off what looks a genuine tempo. Looks ready to peak third-up and clearly shapes as the one they have to hold out. 

Belle’s Charm (#9) won impressively here three starts ago but hasn’t flattered since – possibly unsuited by the Heavy track at Waipukurau last start. From the wide draw she maps to get back in what should be a genuinely run race and be saved for one run at them late. As long as Leah Hemi can keep her within striking distance turning for home, she’ll be charging late. Solid each way chance.

New York Belle (#11) is a locally trained mare who resumes here, last sighted finishing down the track at Wanganui after enduring a tough run. Her first-up run last campaign resulted in an impressive maiden win and she’d go awfully close here with a similar effort. She draws kindly and has the tactical speed to settle prominently if Lily Sutherland elects to use it. Very even race, but happy to speculate on her at the price.

Mr Mojo Risin’ (#2) is worth forgiving for his first-up effort at Ellerslie where he missed the kick and was forced to work wide without cover throughout. The key gear change here is the blinkers coming off, as he’s not been leaving the gates as sharply with them on, and had trialled boldly without blinkers prior to his resuming run. Kelly Myers should be able to use the low draw to settle up on speed, where I expect the only major pressure will come from Riverplate drawn wide. Expecting a much-improved showing second-up.

Ayteem (#4) endured a tough run at Hawera last start after working hard from the outset on a strong tempo. He gets a much kinder draw here and Chris Dell should be able to position him close to the speed without expending as much petrol early. While 1650m may be slightly short of his best, he comes into this relatively fresh six weeks between runs. An improved showing would not surprise in what is a very open race on paper.

Testwin (#4) resumes after a long spell, last seen finishing 3rd behind Smart Love at Rotorua back in October. He has had the benefit of a recent trial where he worked home soundly under Jonathan Riddell, who remains aboard here. He maps to settle back of midfield in what looks a genuinely run race, and if forward enough for this first-up assignment, he can be charging home late.