Awapuni Synthetic Tips & Preview | Friday 3 July

Laser Beam (#2) ran an improved race last start on the Cambridge Synthetic, leading at modest fractions and fighting on fairly for 4th. That was his first run since joining the Peter & Jessica Brosnan stable and he should only be better for that outing heading here. He maps to lead again as he likes, in a race that looks devoid of any pressure on paper. Expect him to prove hard to reel in if he gets things his own way. 

Subtle Image (#3) closed off nicely for 2nd here behind race rival Sir Mikki last start, making up good ground from the back of the field. The blinkers go on for this and he gets a significant swing in barriers, which should see him position much closer to the speed as a result. He looks likely to settle just behind Keepitinyourwallet and Platinum Sixty Six throughout, poised to be finishing over the top late. Can go one better. 

Richard Farrell (#1) ran an improved race for 3rd here at this course/distance last start, where he led and fought on fairly well in the straight. He should be better for the run now heading here third-up and looks to find a much softer maiden field on paper. He maps to again take up a handy position from the inside draw, where Liam Kauri should be able to give him every chance. Looks to have this field covered if he runs up to that last-start effort. 

Tokyodome (#7) finished a long last at Wanganui last start, where he got back and never got into the race. His effort prior here at this course and distance for 4th shapes as a much better guide, where he was getting home strongly and looked a touch unlucky in the straight. He maps to get back in the field again from his wider draw in what looks an evenly run race on paper. Capable of featuring at long odds, looks a solid each-way chance. 

Dancing Shadow (#6) heads here off a last-start 3rd here over 1000m, where he was closing off gamely and wasn’t beaten all that far. The step up to 1200m looks suitable going off his past couple of efforts, and he maps to settle midfield on the fence in what looks a solidly run race. May be relying on some luck late in the piece, but should take some beating if the gaps go his way in the straight. 

Dazz (#4) is a locally trained galloper resuming here, last sighted finishing 6th at Trentham back in March where he pulled up with some excuses that day. His recent trials have been fair, although he wasn’t asked for much of an effort in those trials. Although untried on the synthetic, he hails from a stable with one of the best, if not the best, strike rates on this surface. A bold showing is expected.