Riccarton Park Tips & Preview | Saturday 20 June

Kiwi Magic (#3) can be forgiven for his latest effort on the polytrack, where he failed to fire despite attracting strong market support in R75 company. The return to turf looks a significant positive and he now finds himself back in a fairly moderate R65 contest. He maps to secure an economical run with cover around midfield and, if he can reproduce the effort that saw him win here two starts ago, he should take plenty of beating again.

Best Rose (#6) resumes from a six-week break after finishing 6th over 1200m here, where she travelled comfortably before failing to let down on the Good4 surface. Getting back onto a track with some give in it looks ideal and the drop back to 1000m should suit. She maps to settle just off the speed once again and should be afforded every opportunity to produce an improved performance. Looks the one to beat. 

Swey Loch (#1) is a 2yo son of Sweynesse making his return to the races after finishing strongly for 4th over this course/distance back in November. He looked very professional winning a trial here earlier this week, showing good early speed before putting his rivals away late. Tina Comignaghi rode him in that trial and retains the ride from a favourable draw, which should see him enjoy every chance in transit. Clearly the horse to beat. 

Undisputed (#9) has been a revelation since joining Bruce Tapper’s stable, winning both starts this preparation by a combined margin of 11.5L. He rises in grade again here but appears to receive another favourable setup. From his low draw he should settle just behind a genuine speed and be poised to strike approaching the home bend. The only slight query is the firmer footing compared to the Heavy tracks he has encountered recently, although a Soft6 or Soft7 surface should still be within his comfort zone. Looks capable of making it three on the bounce. 

Riviera Rebel (#1) brings modest recent form into this, having been beaten a combined 31L at his past two starts. However, the key difference here is the race shape. He maps to find the lead and control proceedings at only a moderate tempo, allowing Ashlee Strawbridge to dictate terms from the front. He looks well placed carrying 57kg after the claim and should appreciate getting onto a better track with some give in it. In an even contest, he should get his chance to produce a significantly improved performance. 

Royal Valour (#5) finished off strongly over 1600m here last start, making up good ground from the rear to finish 4th. He comes into this race relatively fresh after six weeks between runs, which makes the drop back to 1400m less concerning. The main knock is how he’s been leaving the barriers lethargically, as an even getaway here would likely see him secure an ideal trailing position behind Tomasina. If Bridget Grylls can have him stepping cleanly, he looks clearly the horse to beat. 

Powerofpersuasion (#9) comes into this third-up after a very good win on the polytrack last start, where she lifted strongly late to score impressively. She maps to settle on speed from her favourable draw in a race that lacks obvious tempo on paper. That should see her positioned ahead of many of her key rivals and, if she can reproduce the last start figure, they may struggle to run her down. Looks the one to beat. 

Jack Crabb (#1) produced an encouraging first run for Lance Robinson when finishing 2nd at Riccarton, making up strong late ground from the rear. He should derive plenty of benefit from that performance and, while he drops back to 1400m, he comes into this race relatively fresh after six weeks between runs. From the handy draw he is likely to settle much closer in transit this time around, which should only aid his chances. Tina Comignaghi remains aboard and he looks well placed to go one better.