Ōtaki Tips & Preview | Friday 10 July

Kyanite Man (#2) got home fairly well for 4th from a midfield position last week at Waverley, in a race dominated by those up on speed. He looks suited heading here on the quick back-up, where he’ll be rock hard fit and the prospect of a testing Heavy track won’t concern him. His past couple of efforts also suggest he’ll appreciate the rise to 1600m here. Not a strong maiden and he can take plenty of beating if he runs up to his effort two starts back. 

Yaldy Time (#1) is a 3yo son of Time Test who was putting in some good late strides from the back of the field on a Heavy10 at Woodville last start, coming up just short. He should be better again now third-up, and staying at 1200m on another Heavy track looks ideal. The shadow roll now goes on for this, and the booking of Craig Grylls is a big assist. Looks to find the right race to go one better with even luck in running. 

Offertory (#1) was brave in defeat when finishing 3rd at Wanganui last start, where he was parked three-wide and working on speed throughout in a genuinely run 1600m contest. That effort suggests he should have no trouble running out the 2100m here with a more economical run in transit, and Toni Davies should be able to give him just that from his favourable low draw. Expect him to be handy to the speed throughout and giving a big sight in what looks a very winnable maiden. 

Honour Roll (#1) is a 2yo son of Savabeel coming here fresh for Te Akau, last seen clearing out for an emphatic maiden victory at Matamata back in May. Michael McNab rode that day and retains the ride here, which will only help his chances. He showed plenty of tactical speed that day and should again settle up on speed here. The wide draw may well prove advantageous come this point of the day, where McNab should be able to guide him towards what will likely be the better lanes off the fence. Looks the one to beat if he copes with the Heavy conditions. 

Miss Understood (#2) went massive first-up at Matamata, where she had to do plenty of work in the run from a wide draw yet still fought on courageously behind smart 3yo Quondo. She should only be better for the run given she was 222 days between runs heading into that first-up assignment. Michael McNab jumps aboard from the inside gate, which should see her getting a much more economical run in transit this time around. Should take plenty of beating. 

Tenfoot Tall (#7) was well backed last start at Tauranga and justified that market support by winning in good fashion. She remains in R75 company here and looks to find a comparable field to what she accounted for last start. She’s very well performed on Heavy tracks and the prospect of another here will only aid her chances. Looks her race to lose.