Ruakākā Tips & Preview | Saturday 15 August

Russian Prime (#13) is a 3yo filly by Russian Revolution coming here at just her second career start for the Ritchie/Murray stable. Her sole run as a 2yo at Ellerslie back in June had plenty of merit, where she finished off well from a midfield position to run 2nd. As an early season 3yo filly she finds herself nicely situated down in the weights taking on the older horses, carrying just 54kg with George Rooke remaining in the saddle. Expecting Rooke to be positive early and attempt to find a position just off the speed with cover. Should take some beating if she can obtain that sort of run. 

Scolera (#2) ran a good race in defeat here over 1200m last start behind race rival Nicconi County, where she dictated terms in front but couldn’t hold him off in the straight. She should be able to lead these again from her wider draw in this small field with regular pilot Samantha Collett hopping back aboard. Back to 1100m with the sting out of the track should suit her more than most here. Can give a big sight and go one better. 

Forester (#1) has been thereabouts of late without winning, as his numerical formline suggests. He was last seen finishing 3rd at Te Rapa on a Heavy track last month, where he was mounting his run in the inferior part of the track but stuck on well. Back to better footing here looks ideal and getting the services of strong rider George Rooke jumping back aboard should suit. Expect him to settle midfield with cover from his handy draw in a race that should be run at a genuine clip. Can be finishing over the top of these late. 

Bourbon Proof (#2) was huge in defeat here last start at this track and trip, where he was forced to work wide without cover throughout but kept on coming down the outer to finish 2nd. He maps to settle much closer to the speed here from his low draw without having to work as hard, in a race that may be devoid of tempo if Overrated doesn’t take his place. He loses George Rooke in the saddle, but apprentice Jack Taplin’s claim helps offset the 60.5kg impost. Looks a very good chance to go one better here. 

Merriama (#8) won with good authority here at this course and distance last start, picking up strongly between horses from back of midfield and putting the race to bed halfway down the straight. She looked to relish the rise to the mile last start and looks suited remaining at that distance again here. Michael McNab remaining in the saddle from the inside gate is a big tick, where she maps to follow key contender Pact throughout, which likely puts her three-back the fence. She looks a mare with upside who can go on with it here. 

Shalabiya (#7) is a well-related 3yo filly by Brazen Beau, being the half-sister to dual Gr.1 winner Crocetti. She was a well-backed commodity on debut here two weeks ago and well and truly justified that market support by thrashing a maiden field by 5L eased down. Michael McNab taking the reins from a low draw looks ideal, where she should be able to obtain a similar trailing position to last start. She could hardly have been more impressive on debut and while she has to take on some handy 3yos here, she looks clearly the one to beat with any natural improvement. 

I’m Lulu (#7) resumed with a sound effort for 4th here at this course and distance last start, where she was snagged back to last in a moderately run race before finding the line well from the back. She should be better with that run under her belt and looks suited remaining at 1400m second-up. She maps to get back again from the wide draw, however there does appear to be a good amount of speed engaged this time around. Should be finishing off hard late and looks a solid each-way chance at the price. 

Chicago Dream (#8) ran a great race here for 5th last start over 1300m, where he settled much further back than anticipated after a slow getaway but made up good ground up the fence. He reunites with Jack Taplin here, who rode him to victory three starts back and 2nd two starts back, and will again benefit from his 2kg claim. Expecting him to lead this field if he jumps cleanly this time, though the key will be whether Taplin can steal a cheap furlong thereafter, as a solidly run 1400m may test him. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him give plenty of cheek in front.