Whanganui Tips & Preview | Saturday 29 August

All On Black (#7) is a 3yo son of Proisir making his debut for Tony Pike, having had the benefit of four trials ahead of his first start. His latest two trials this time in have shown good improvement, notably winning a trial on a Heavy10 track at Te Rapa earlier this month. KWT rode in those most recent trials and sticks for raceday, which is a big plus. Looks a leading chance based on his trials in a race of mostly unexposed runners. 

Justashotaway (#1) is a 5yo son of Sneaking To Win coming here at start number two for Lisa Latta. He ran a great race for 2nd here on debut, where he led and copped pressure throughout but fought on gamely considering. Expect him to hold a prominent position again from the low draw under Joe Doyle, where he may well be able to dictate terms in front. Another Heavy track won’t concern him either. Can go one better. 

Meloni (#8) makes his resumption here for Robbie Patterson, last seen finishing down the track at New Plymouth back in November. He has had two trials ahead of this campaign, the latest an impressive hit-out where he strode away nicely to win on a Heavy track. The likelihood of a Heavy track here for his resuming run is the main concern, as he is untried on a Heavy track on raceday despite seemingly handling it well in his recent trials. The wide draw should see him making his run in the best part of the track regardless. Should take some beating if he copes with the track. 

He’s Lucid (#2) comes here off a fair effort for 4th at Riccarton last start, where he looked to have every chance but was a touch one-paced to the line. He gets back on his home track here and shouldn’t be concerned by the prospect of a Heavy track either. He has to lug a sizeable impost, but is a big horse who should be able to handle the weight, and gets the services of Lisa Allpress for this to boot. Can run an improved race here. 

Singletary (#4) was pretty plain first-up in the Ryder Stakes here last month, only battling into 7th, with the rider reporting he didn’t appreciate the holding nature of the track. He has trialled in very good fashion since, coasting away to win on a Heavy track with considerable ease. The inside draw should see him position much closer to the speed this time around, however Wiremu Pinn may need to angle away from the fence if it is inferior come this point of the day. He clearly has the ability when he puts it all together. Happy to speculate on him showing up at the price. 

Honey Badger (#9) headed to New Plymouth off a short freshen, seven weeks between runs, but handled the Heavy conditions with ease as she usually does, winning nicely in the end. She should strip fitter for that effort heading here on the shorter turnaround and the prospect of another Heavy track is just what she is after. She maps to settle off a genuine tempo from her low draw, where KWT will likely look to have her blending into the race late in the piece. Can go back-to-back. 

Belardo Boy (#1) has been very hit and miss this time in, and more miss than hit of late, last seen battling away into 5th last week at Hastings. He comes here rock hard fit deep into his campaign on the quick back-up and should get a testing Heavy track underfoot again, which suits. There doesn’t appear to be much, if any, pressure on paper, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see connections utilise Tom Wigram’s 3kg claim and take up a prominent position. A very capable horse on his day who would take plenty of beating in this if he can find something closer to his best. 

Billy (#7) has been doing much of his recent racing over the hurdles, which means he heads here rock hard fit. He won his last flat race in a maiden at Hastings, where he out-toughed his rivals in the testing conditions that day. Expect him to get back off a genuine tempo from his middle draw, where Lily Sutherland will likely look to get him to the best lanes out wide come this stage of the day. In a race lacking a standout, he could run a very cheeky race back on the flat at odds.