Pukekohe Race 1
2 Sulabella
Won well last start on a Heavy10 at Rotorua. Sulabella looks to have a class edge on her rivals in this. While she does go sharply up in weight for this contest, she managed to beat home a far superior field last start to what she meets here.
Pukekohe Race 2
2 Mitonic
This isn't the strongest maiden field, where Mitonic looks a leading contender in the race. His past two starts have been very underwhelming; however, he has trialled impressively at Pukekohe since his last start. The tongue tie goes on for this too, looks to have every opportunity of an improved performance in what looks a very winnable race for Mitonic.
Pukekohe Race 3
1 Muscovado
**TIP OF THE DAY**
Muscovado looks very well placed to break his maiden here. Last start 2nd at Taupo saw him beating home progressive type, Sassy Lass. He comes into this contest 8 weeks between runs, therefore the drop back to 1600m on the fresher side looks okay. Given the conditions, I don't see the wide draw as a negative, while he also gets in with 54kg after Liam Kauri's claim. Would only have to repeat either of his past two performances to be winning this.
Pukekohe Race 4
7 Lucky Lad
While backing Scotty McNab is usually the formula for success in these Amateur rider races, I had my questions marks over Storms Ahead running out 2100m on a testing track. Therefore, I sided with Lucky Lad, who looks like he could be an improver now having start number 3. I think the application of the Shadow Roll will be of great benefit to Lucky Lad, while the step up to 2100m should only suit also. Looks a nice each way prospect in a very open Amateur rider race.
Pukekohe Race 5
7 Hint
Well bred filly who hasn't been sighted at the races since running down the track behind Lupo Solitario last year. She has two trials under her belt this time in, which should see her ready to go first-up. Hint looked to handle the Heavy tracks well enough in her two trials, the latest of which she coasted to the line winning by 1.5L.
Pukekohe Race 6
18 Lux Libertas
Very keen to be with Lux Libertas should connections line her up in this race rather than race 5. I was really taken by the way she covered the ground on the Heavy9 at Waipa, where she accelerated past her rivals after being held up early in the straight.
Pukekohe Race 7
2 Hit The Switch
Ran well below par last start at Te Rapa despite rearing at the start and doing some early work. Now drops back to R60 company with 56kg on his back after the claim. Both of his career wins have come on Heavy tracks and if he can find his better form he'd give this race a shake at nice each way odds.
Pukekohe Race 8
3 Shooting Stride
Two much improved efforts this time in and now has the side winkers being applied third-up. Stays at 1400m again, where he should be at peak fitness to handle the trying conditions come the last race of the day.