Invercargill Tips & Preview | Thursday 22 October

Swift Thinker (#6) is a 3yo Armory filly resuming here for Kelvin Tyler at just her second career start, last seen finishing 3rd in 2yo company at Riverton back in April. She comes here without a public trial, but did win a jumpout at Winton earlier this month. She maps to settle behind the likely leader Outlaw from her inside gate, which should see her afforded every chance. Can run well in a fresh state. 

She’s A Filly (#1) is a 5yo Tarzino mare who comes here second-up off a 3rd at Wingatui last start, where she closed off nicely from the back of the field. She’s suited by the rise in trip, and back on better footing will aid her more than most in this. She maps to settle handy to the speed from a nice low gate. Looks as likely as any in a moderate maiden lineup. 

Claudius Maximuss (#3) sat handy last start at Gore but weakened in the straight, not handling the conditions underfoot. He comes here on the quick back-up from last week, and I’m happy to take a guide from his prior effort at Timaru on top of the ground, where he was rounding off his race strongly. He maps to settle handy to the speed again here from a nice low draw. Can run an improved race. 

Jot Down (#6) comes here on the quick back-up from last week, where he got back and made no impression on the Heavy track at Gore, finishing well down the track. I’m taking a guide from his prior effort at Timaru for 8th, where he wasn’t beaten far by Eternal Light and co on a better track. Alyssa Parris takes the reins, and her 4kg claim will assist. He maps to settle closer to the speed from the inside gate in a race that looks to have an even-genuine tempo engaged. Improved showing at odds wouldn’t surprise. 

Swoomee Swan (#6) is a 4yo mare resuming here for Robert Dennis, last seen finishing 8th at Wingatui back in March. She resumes without a public trial, which isn’t unusual for the stable. Ashlee Strawbridge takes the reins, and her 2kg claim sees her nicely placed down in the weights. She maps to settle handy to the speed, just off what looks to be a strong tempo. Clearly looks the horse to beat. 

Better Shared (#2) was wide without cover on speed last start at Wingatui but weakened out of it on the testing track that day. She comes here second-up and should strip much fitter for that resuming run. From the wider draw she maps to settle up on speed again, where she may be able to take a sit off Magnastar, who will likely work forward to her outer. Can run an improved race on better footing here. 

Venetian (#9) is a locally trained 5yo Castelvecchio mare resuming here off a long lay-off for Jo-Anne Dalton, last seen finishing 9th here back in December. She resumes without a trial, but has finished 2nd in a jumpout at Winton behind race rival and early favourite Ace App. She maps to settle handy to the speed in a race that looks to have an even-genuine tempo engaged. May need the run, but could run a cheeky race at odds on her home track. 

Albazinga (#7) made up good ground through the field from the back for 6th last start at Ashburton, on a day which favoured those up on speed and on the fence. She should strip fitter coming here second-up, and looks suited getting out over a mile for this assignment. She maps to settle back of midfield from a wider draw in a race that looks to have a genuine tempo engaged. Should be finding the line well, and can be thereabouts with natural improvement from that resuming run.