Matamata hosts an eight-race twilight program on Wednesday with the track rated a Soft5 and the rail out 7.5m. An overcast forecast for Matamata over the next 24 hours should see the surface improve slightly, likely presenting closer to a Good4 by race one. Selections for each of the eight races below: Matamata Race 1 13 La Danza La Danza (#13) produced a solid effort in a fresh state when finishing 3rd at Taupo last start, where she was doing her best work late after settling back in the field. She should strip fitter for that outing and looks suited…

Ellerslie hosts a stellar 10-race program for Champions Day on Saturday with the track rated a Soft5 and the rail out 3m. The quality-packed card is highlighted by the running of the NZB Kiwi, the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby, the Gr.1 Bonecrusher Stakes and the Gr.2 Auckland Cup. With clear conditions forecast, the Ellerslie surface should present in excellent order for the entirety of the meeting. Selections for each of the 10 races below: Ellerslie Race 1 13 Young Jackson Young Jackson (#13) caught the eye finishing strongly into 3rd in the Karapiro Classic at Te Rapa behind subsequent Avondale…

New Plymouth hosts an eight-race card on Saturday with the track rated a Soft5 and the rail in the true position. The forecast looks clear and sunny for the next few days across the Taranaki, which should see the surface presenting in the Good4/Soft5 range for the duration of the card. Selections for each of the eight races below: New Plymouth Race 1 5 Oh Maimai Oh Maimai (#5) is a locally trained 3yo Derryn filly who produced arguably her best performance to date when sneaking up the inside to win against stronger opposition than she meets here. That was…

Ellerslie again plays host to the second running of the NZB Kiwi this year, the highlight race of what is an outstanding day of racing on Champions Day. Another quality field of 3YOs has been assembled for the NZB Kiwi, headlined by the star unbeaten filly, Well Written. Read on for our expert runner by runner 2026 The Kiwi guide! 1 Romanoff Another contender in the race for trainer Pam Gerard, and winner of the 2025 Gr.1 2000 Guineas. Similar to his stablemate, he had excuses in the Karaka Millions 3yo last start but was finding the line fairly well…

Te Aroha hosts a seven-race program on Friday with the track rated a Soft5 and the rail out 4.5m. Clear and sunny conditions are forecast for Te Aroha on raceday, which should see the surface improve, likely presenting closer to a Good4 by race one.  Selections for each of the seven races below:  Te Aroha Race 1 4 Alikat Alikat (#4) produced a pleasing run at Te Rapa last start when finishing off well from the back at her first attempt over a staying trip. She now draws favourably in a small field and should be able to settle much closer to the speed from the inside gate. Warren…

Tauherenikau hosts an eight-race card on Thursday with the track rated a Soft6 and the rail in the true position. Clear weather is forecast across the Wairarapa region, which should see the surface improve to a Soft5 at some point early in the card. Selections for each of the eight races below: Tauherenikau Race 1 3 Shameless Star Tip of The Day Shameless Star (#3) resumes here second-up after a solid first-up effort over this course and distance a month ago. She should strip fitter for that run and now finds a very winnable assignment here. From the wider draw…

Riccarton hosts an eight-race twilight program on Wednesday with the track rated a Heavy8 and the rail out 8m to the 1000m, then out 10m to the winning post. While no rain is forecast on raceday, mild conditions in the Canterbury region may see the surface remain a Heavy8, possibly upgraded to a Soft7 at best later in the card. Selections for each of the eight races below: Riccarton Park Race 1 6 Canterbury Flight Canterbury Flight (#6) was only caught in the final strides here at this course and distance last start after kicking clear halfway down the straight.…

Trentham hosts an eight-race card on Sunday, highlighted by the Gr.3 Rydges Wellington Cuddle Stakes. The track is rated a Soft6 with the rail out 7.5m from the 450m to the winning post, true for the remainder. Isolated showers are forecast ahead of raceday, but with clear conditions on Sunday the surface should improve to no worse than a Soft5 by race one. Selections for each of the eight races below: Trentham Race 1 4 Furiosa Furiosa (#4) comes off a sound effort for 4th here at this track and trip where she was getting home as well as anything…

Wingatui plays host to a blockbuster 10-race card for Property Brokers Otago Classics Day on Saturday, highlighted by the running of the ODT Mile, Dunedin Gold Cup, Dunedin Guineas and the White Robe Lodge WFA. The track is rated a Soft5 with the rail in the true position. Mostly clear weather across the Otago region leading into Saturday should ensure the surface presents no worse than a Soft5 come raceday. Selections for each of the 10 races below: Wingatui Race 1 1 Purple Prose Tip of The Day Purple Prose (#1) was last seen running a very good race for…

Matamata hosts a nine-race program on Saturday, with the rail out 4.5m and the track rated a Soft5. Isolated showers ahead of raceday followed by a clear forecast on Saturday should ensure the surface remains close to a Soft5 for the duration of the meeting. Selections for each of the nine races below: Matamata Race 1 12 Solid Gold Solid Gold (#12) is a 3yo Savabeel filly resuming here after a strong 3rd behind Swiss Prince in October, form that has stacked up well since. She has the benefit of a recent trial under her belt, where she was given a solid…