Riccarton Park Tips & Preview | Saturday 26 September

Cool As Bling (#13) resumes here for the locally-based David Walsh stable, last seen closing off nicely from the back of the field for 2nd in the Listed Champagne Stakes here back in May. He’s since won a recent trial impressively, holding his rivals at bay with ease. Tom Wigram takes over, which sees him nicely placed down in the weights carrying just 53kg. Should be suited by the better conditions underfoot, can return with a bang here. 

Van Maison (#1) is a 2yo Vanbrugh gelding for Kenny Rae, on debut like the rest of this field. He looked good when winning in a recent trial here, showing good early speed and keeping on nicely to the line off the fence. Expect him to take up a prominent position from his middle draw and look to replicate that trial win on raceday. The one to beat off what this field has shown at their trials. 

Zafar (#1) was one-paced to the line here last start, finishing 4th from a midfield position on a Heavy track that didn’t look to suit him. He comes here second-up and should be better for that run, looking much better suited back on top of the ground too. Kyle Wilson-Taylor takes over from a nice handy gate, which should see him afforded every chance. Should run an improved race here. 

Hakkinen (#2) comes here off a smart win here last start, sitting back in the field before unleashing a good sprint late to score. He comes here second-up, and in what looks a race with an even tempo on paper, he maps to settle back in the field again. Expect Hayley Hassman to have him blending into the race turning for home before looking to unleash and finish over the top late. Clearly the horse to beat if he improves off that resuming run. 

Winter Blaze (#7) was very unlucky here last start, where she was held up at a crucial stage early in the straight, though she still put in some good late strides from the back to finish 4th. She maps to settle well back in the field again as per the norm with her, despite drawing a handy gate. The improved conditions underfoot are a slightly query. Watch for her to be finishing off strongly late. 

Court Of Appeal (#6) raced back and wide throughout here last start, and was inclined to lay in through the home straight, though she finished off well by the same token when getting home into 8th. She comes here third-up, and Kyle Wilson-Taylor takes over from the wide gate, where she maps to settle midfield with cover. She looks well placed down on the minimum carrying 54kg, an improved showing here wouldn’t surprise. 

Dream Of The Moon (#11) resumes here, last seen finishing 9th at Ellerslie back in April. She’s since won two trials impressively ahead of this, which should have her ready to for this first-up assignment. The firmer the track the better for her, so hopefully conditions edge nearer the Good range by this stage of the day. Kyle Wilson-Taylor takes over from a nice low draw, where she maps to settle not far from the speed. Taking on some handy sprinters here, but she can measure up with her best. 

Miss Starlight (#13) weakened out of it here last start, finishing into 8th. She comes here third-up and should be much better suited on top of the ground this time. Back over 1200m, she maps to lead from a middle barrier, and should get her chance to run a much improved race as a consequence. Speedy mare who can definitely win this at her best. Happy to speculate on her showing up at the price. 

Graffiti Artist (#9) comes here off a solid effort here last start, making good late ground without ever really threatening when 5th. She comes here second-up, and whilst dropping back in distance is a slight query, she’ll be much better suited on top of the ground. She maps to settle back in the field again from a middle barrier off a genuine tempo. Should be rolling home strongly late down the outer.