Cambridge Synthetic hosts their second meeting of the year, with what looks to be a great betting card from start to finish.
Selections for each of these eight races below:
Altiplano (#1) heads here third-up following two game runner-up performances this preparation, the latest coming over 1300m at this track. He worked to the line strongly on that occasion and looks ideally suited by the rise to 1550m. While the wider draw may require a touch of luck early, he shapes as one of the more reliable runners in this maiden field and should prove hard to hold out.
Delz Abeel (#3) produced an excellent effort for 2nd here last start behind Spanish Lad after a slow getaway left him conceding a significant start to the leaders. Despite settling further back than expected, he worked home strongly and arguably should have finished much closer. He draws more favourably this time, retains Michael McNab aboard, and should be able to settle much closer in the running. With even luck, he looks the one they all have to beat.
La Cadiere (#8) is a locally trained 3yo Shamexpress filly who is one of four accepted in the race from the Foote stable, and she heads here third-up after two brave 5thplacings. She was caught wide without cover on both occasions yet still stuck on well to the line. A slightly kinder draw and just 54.5kg on her back after the claim should suit. In what looks an even maiden contest, she appeals as a genuine each-way chance.
Kasukedo (#7) caught the eye when resuming here, settling off the speed before working home nicely into 4thonce clear. He looks likely to enjoy a similar run in transit again and may even settle a touch closer from the better draw. Natural improvement from that first-up effort should see him right in the finish here.
Batu (#1) is a lightly raced 4yo resuming after being last seen finishing 7th at Te Aroha in October last year. He has trialled well ahead of his return, suggesting he is forward enough to run a bold race fresh. Drawn to settle handy to the speed and looks suited by a strong rider in George Rooke taking the reins. He looks capable of making a winning return.
Lady Iris (#2) 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. Expect her to roll forward and settle prominently, and prove difficult to run down.
Skymax (#4) put a gap on her rivals here last start when enjoying a perfect run in transit before drawing out impressively. Although she draws slightly wider this time, she gets a very similar setup here, and despite drawing wider, she should be able to secure another favourable position just behind the speed. If she reproduces her last start effort, she will take plenty of beating again.
Erase (#1) was first past the post at Tauranga last start before being relegated to 2nd after hanging out in the straight. His run prior at Cambridge was very forgivable after he was denied clear running when looking to travel well. Drawn the inside gate here, he looks the likely leader and should take plenty of catching if allowed to dictate terms under Joe Nishizuka. He appears to find a very winnable maiden assignment and should take beating.