Timaru Tips & Preview | Sunday 7 June

Shocking Secrets (#14) resumes after being last sighted finishing 9th at Ashburton in April, where she worked home fairly from the back of the field. She remains at the mile and gets in well at the weights with Triston Moodley’s 1kg claim. From the middle draw she is likely to settle off the speed and be presented for one run late. Given she was hanging out in her most recent start, a wider draw may prove beneficial and an improved showing would not surprise in what is moderate maiden field.

Full Of Gusto (#1) has been aggressively placed throughout much of his career and now drops back into maiden company after a plain first-up effort at Riccarton. He should take improvement from that run and the rise to 2200m second-up appears much more suitable. He maps to find the front comfortably and dictate terms, which should give him every chance to be going close here.

Swey Loch (#14) resumes after producing a promising debut effort at Riccarton on debut when finishing strongly into 4th. He takes on the older horses here and he find himself down in the weights as a result. Tina Comignaghi takes the ride here and from the wider gate may elect to be positive early. He looks capable of measuring up in a maiden of this strength.

Dragon Biscuit (#1) failed to fire on the polytrack last start after racing keenly throughout, but a return to turf should suit. Tina Comignaghi remains aboard and his runner-up effort behind Moon Goddess two starts ago reads well for this assignment. He should secure a midfield position with cover and, if able to reproduce that effort, can run a much improved race here.

Express Coup (#4) comes here off a game 2nd at Riverton on a testing Heavy10 surface. She is versatile enough to handle slightly better footing and benefits from Ohara Najib’s 2kg claim here. She’s drawn to enjoy an ideal run behind what looks to be a genuine tempo, where she should settle ahead of several key rivals in the run. In an even field, she appeals as the horse to beat.

Cherryville (#1) continues to race consistently, as suggested by his numerical formline, although he hasn’t won since February 2025. His latest effort at Wingatui was sound, where he finished 4th on a Heavy9 track. Stepping beyond 1800m for the first time is the query, but he maps to receive a soft run throughout and should be given every chance to see out the trip. He looks a leading contender with his best form.

Jack Crabb (#1) produced an encouraging first run for Lance Robinson when finishing 2nd at Riccarton, putting in some good late strides from the rear. He should improve again with that run under his belt and looks well suited remaining at 1600m. From the wide draw he is likely to settle back once more, where he will look to blend into the race late in the piece. Tina Comignaghi stays aboard and he looks well placed to go one better.

Penvose Lad (#2) caught the eye first-up at Wingatui when finishing into 2nd, making ground along the inferior part of the track after settling back in the field. He should strip fitter for that effort and looks suited stepping out to 1600m. A kinder draw should allow him to settle closer in the running and a tired track late in the day may play into his hands. He shapes as a major player.

Storms Ahead (#1) resumes after being last sighted finishing down the track at Wingatui in November. While he has not had a public trial leading into this resuming run, that is not unusual for the stable. He won first-up last campaign and finds a suitable race to kick off this preparation. Tina Comignaghi takes the ride and she should be able to secure a reasonable position midfield with cover from the middle draw. Although he may prefer it slightly wetter, he still looks capable of making a winning return.