Cambridge Synthetic hosts a nine-race program on Wednesday, with good betting races throughout the card.
Selections for each race below:
Inaheartbeat (#5) is a locally trained 3yo son of Ardrossan making his debut for Ben & Ryan Foote. He was impressive winning his latest trial at Waipa, settling just off the speed before extending nicely through the line when asked. The wide draw may see him settle towards the rear in what looks a genuinely run race, but that should allow him to build through his gears and finish over the top late. Bold debut showing expected.
Kasukedo (#6) comes into this third-up after a fair 3rd over this course and distance last start, where he raced prominently before battling on soundly. The addition of blinkers looks a positive and the booking of George Rooke only aids his chances. From the wider draw he is likely to settle back in a race that appears to have plenty of early pressure, which should give him every opportunity to finish off strongly late.
In The Vineyard (#10) is a 2yo Turn Me Loose filly resuming for Tony Pike. She was last seen finishing 4th behind smart 2yo’s Seize The Day and Excite – form that has stacked up very well since. She has had the benefit of a recent trial where she was given an easy time of things following the field around at the tail. She looks well placed carrying just 53.5kg and from the low draw she should enjoy a soft run behind what looks a genuine speed. She looks a leading contender.
Lady Iris (#4) is a talented 3yo U S Navy Flag filly who can be forgiven for her latest effort at Ellerslie, where she became involved in a fierce early speed battle that took its toll on those involved. While she has limited public exposure on the synthetic, being locally trained should ensure she is well accustomed to the surface. Expecting her to settle just behind what looks a genuine tempo. Should run a much improved race is she handles the synthetic footing.
Turfquake (#1) is a locally trained 3yo son of Contributer who comes here off a forgivable 7th at Hastings, where he was unsuited by the testing nature of the track. While he has mixed his form in a short career, he has shown enough ability to suggest a race of this strength is well within reach. He maps to enjoy a favourable run just behind the speed from the inside draw, which should see him given every opportunity. Improvement expected.
Midori Burly (#3) finished well down the track at Te Rapa last start but had genuine excuses after racing three wide without cover throughout. His effort two starts ago over 2100m reads much better, where he loomed as the winner before peaking late. Back up to 2000m looks ideal and despite drawing wide, he has the early speed to obtain a forward position without needing to burn too many tickets. Improved showing expected.
Solidify (#1) comes into this third-up after a moderate 6th over 1550m here last start, where he raced ungenerously for much of the race. The stable have made a few gear changes for this, which may help him settle better here. Expect Tom Wigram to ride him quietly from the wide draw and allow him to find his rhythm early. With just 56.5kg after the claim, he looks capable of producing an improved effort.
Altiplano (#1) is easy to forgive for his last-start 4th when a riderless horse caused him significant interference at multiple stages of the race. He looks well suited remaining on the synthetic and the 1550m looks okay again. The booking of a leading senior rider in George Rooke is a major positive and from a favourable draw he should secure an ideal position just behind the speed. With even luck in running, this looks his race to lose.
Delz Abeel (#3) was probably entitled to win here last start after enjoying a favourable run, travelling strongly into the race before only grinding away late into 4th. The wide draw should see him settle back, which looks a positive given the strong tempo that is expected. If he can find cover and blend into the race before the turn, he should get every opportunity to finish over the top of them. Could take plenty of beating with something closer to his best.