Hastings Tips & Preview | Thursday 21 May

Countach (#2) is a 3yo son of Wootton Bassett making his debut for Tony Pike. Michael McNab taking the ride from a favourable draw is a big positive and should ensure he receives every opportunity on debut. This doesn’t look the strongest maiden lineup and he appears capable of measuring up if he runs up to his better trial efforts. 

Romantic Patch (#5) was doing his best work late over 1600m at Pukekohe last start, where he closed off strongly from the back into 5th. He should derive good improvement from that run and the rise to 2200m looks ideal based on the way he hit the line there. Expect him to settle back of midfield from the middle draw and look to build into the race late. He shapes as a leading contender in a modest staying contest. 

East End Lad (#4) is a fairly enigmatic galloper who has shown very good ability on occasions whilst lacking some consistency. He failed to flatter at Otaki last start and didn’t appear to have any obvious excuses, however his recent trial suggests he is ticking over nicely ahead of this. He maps to settle back off what looks a genuine tempo, which should suit him. An improved showing would not surprise. 

Cadaques (#5) is another debutant for Tony Pike and is a 3yo son of Hello Youmzain who has impressed in his recent trials. He has shown good natural ability while still appearing to have plenty to learn. Michael McNab takes the reins, and from the low draw he should be able to settle in a handy position throughout. A bold debut showing can be expected. 

Carter John (#5) comes into this off a fair effort for 6th at Waverley, where he was required to sustain a long run wide and just battled to the line late. He has looked a touch dour recently, so the rise to 2100m may prove ideal at this stage of his preparation. He is often slow away, but if he begins cleanly from the low draw he should be able to settle a pair or two closer than usual. This does not look a particularly strong R65 staying contest and he appears capable of taking this out with his best. 

Port Chalmer (#1) heads here off a brave effort for 2nd at Waipukurau, where he raced wide without cover on a genuine tempo before fighting on gamely in the straight. The wide draw is again a slight concern given the short run into the first bend from the 1600m start point at Hastings, however with some luck early he looks set to run another honest race. Based on the figure he put up last start, he likely would not need to improve much to be winning a maiden of this calibre.