Hastings Race 1
7 Rhythm 'N' Spice
Solid debut performance when sticking on for 4th in the testing conditions at Pukekohe. Given the rail is out 8m, I don't see the inside gate as a negative for this filly early on in the day. She possesses the tactical speed to make her own luck out in front, which would make her the horse to beat here for mine.

Hastings Race 2
5 Hey Hey Baby
Landed on Hey Hey Baby in what looks a very tricky race to assess on paper. I have my reservations about Farravallo running out a strong 1200m on a Heavy10, whilst Indian Gold and Ka Ying Lucky have tricky maps on paper. Hey Hey Baby has the least question marks, you know she'll get through the conditions, while the low draw and claim should only assist also.

Hastings Race 3
5 Prioress
Gallant performance last start for 3rd, having travelled into the race strongly before peaking on her run 50m out over the 1300m journey. Back to the 1200m trip here looks ideal, where she should get back and look to be surging home late.

Hastings Race 4
2 Dusty Road
**TIP OF THE DAY**
This race looks to be Dusty Road's for the taking. With Justaskme as topweight in this field, the balance of the weights for this race have been compressed, which sees Dusty Road get in extremely well at the weights. Should he jump on terms, Dusty Road maps to get a nice cart across the field early with Wessex drawn underneath him. He's as tough as they come, and the wet track won't hurt his chances. Best bet.

Hastings Race 5
1 Donnybrook
This 4yo son of Zed is a genuine mudlark. He's now had 4 runs back this time in, where he will be hitting peak fitness and ready to run a race. Donnybrook looks to be on a path to a Winter Cup later this campaign, I think he can account for this field on his way south next month.

Hastings Race 6
1 Aljay
Tricky race, however, I have Aljay on top in this small field of stayers. While I don't think he's at his best on a Heavy10 like we'll probably see on Saturday, I think the small field and lack of tempo works in his favour. His last start effort for 4th was brave after being wide throughout, with a better run in transit here, I think he could prove too sharp for these at the back end of a slowly run race. Watch the market, as it could be key lead to his chances.

Hastings Race 7
8 Maggies Choice
Another tricky race, where I've sided with Maggies Choice who is coming into this 3rd up. Her career best figure/performance was when she cleared maidens over 2100m on a Heavy10 surface. With similar conditions expected on Saturday, I am more than happy to side with Maggies Choice as an each way proposition in what is a very open race.

Hastings Race 8
2 The First Link
I was happy to side with The First Link at a nice each way price to finish the day at Hastings. While he has placed 2 of his last 3 starts, he's yet to recapture his very best form from 1-2 years ago. While I am taking him on trust, I think he'll get every chance to find his best form in what is an even race on Saturday.