Ruakākā Race 1
2 Illicit Dreams
She walked her opposition last start, which I think worked against her in hindsight, as she was simply outsprinted to the line when running 3rd. Drawing the outside gate in this small field may be a blessing as I think she can roll to the lead from the wide gate and keep rolling throughout. There doesn't look to be a lot between Illicit Dreams, Patricia and Love Affirmations, however I'll happily side with Illicit Dreams given she'll make her own luck in front.

Ruakākā Race 2
1 I'm All In
Expecting the short quote to be justified by I'm All In. He won well two back on the Cambridge Synthetic, where he beat home Hard Attack by 5L (who has since finished ahead of race rivals, Vegas Queen and Miss Flower). I'm All In's performance at Ruakaka since was solid enough when racing keenly, in a race that lacked tempo through the middle stages. Should lead or trail here from the inside gate, hard to beat.

Ruakākā Race 3
2 Lord Weyburn
He comes into this off the back of a nice trial at Waipa last week, which should have him ready to go first-up. McNab takes the ride from the low gate, where he maps to get a sit off what looks a strong early tempo. His best would be hard to beat.

Ruakākā Race 4
6 Master Brutus
He is running above his rating here off the minimum, however, there's too many factors in Master Brutus' favour to ignore. He's now 3rd up, only 54kg on his back and gets the services of Warren Kennedy. With a positive ride early, I think he gets every opportunity to show the talent we all know he has.

Ruakākā Race 5
9 Loose Change
He's a maiden up against race winners in this special conditions final. Although it was only a maiden, Loose Change's first-up run was full of merit and should only be better for it. Can show tactical early speed on his day, which I think could aid him significantly in this race.

Ruakākā Race 6
5 Bosch
**TIP OF THE DAY**
Really liked the way he stuck on after working hard last start. I think he can lead and dictate terms out in front under Sam Spratt this time and prove very hard to catch.

Ruakākā Race 7
1 Sterling Express
Despite the tricky map on paper for Sterling Express, I thought he looked to be a touch of value in a competitive race. If he can get some luck in running from the draw, he should be flying at them late under Warren Kennedy.