Ellerslie Race 1
11 Amazing Fluke
Amazing Fluke has trialled very well for this debut run. Vinnie Colgan rides here after partnering him in his first three trials. He's been a bit hit and miss from the gates across his trials, which could see him handy to the speed if he hits, or behind midfield if he misses. That aside, this isn't the strongest Saturday maiden that he strikes for his debut, can make his first raceday start a winning one.
Ellerslie Race 2
1 Lanikai
Lanikai was desperately unlucky last start at Tauranga, where he only got clear late after finding traffic for the majority of the straight. He jumped away well that day before restraining and I'm hoping that they elect to just let him roll forward this time if he jumps as well this time. He's got as much upside as any of these and he looks to get a very reasonable chance to break through here.
Ellerslie Race 3
5 Sweynesday
Sweynesday was put away after winning in fine fashion at Ellerslie in April. While his first two career runs haven't rated as well as they looked to the eye, he did look like he still had his quirks and plenty of improvement to come. He's jumped out at Ellerslie very impressively last month in what was the fastest of three 800m jumpouts on the day. Should settle midfield off what looks a strong early speed. Hard to beat.
Ellerslie Race 4
8 La Parisienne
Extremely open race and a low confidence betting race for mine. La Parisienne battled on fairly last start in conditions at Matamata that clearly weren't to her liking. She jumped out like a rocket here last month, which is a much better guide for mine. The wide draw (18) will see her get well back, however there does look to be a strong speed engaged which will aid her chances.
Ellerslie Race 5
11 Merillian
Merillian comes into this off the back of a sole trial at this track back in September. She gets the services of Warren Kennedy for her debut and while she is drawn wide (12), there looks to be an abundance of early speed in this race. She looked like she had more under the bonnet in that trial and I'm willing to find out at the price in this.
Ellerslie Race 6
6 Arby
Arby didn't look all too comfortable in the Heavy conditions at Tauranga, a firmer track is what he needs and he will get exactly that on Saturday. His first up run for 11th doesn't look all that well on paper, yet he was only beaten 2L in a bunched finish. He now steps out over 2100m third-up, Sam Weatherley jumps back aboard. Looks to get his opportunity to find something close to his best.
Ellerslie Race 7
6 Twain
Twain was an enormous effort last start after working hard to find the front early and only going down by 1.6L to subsequent Gr.3 winner, Luberon. Sam Spratt jumps aboard this time from a much more favourable draw (5). Expect to see Twain handy to the speed, if not leading, and taking plenty of beating in this.
Ellerslie Race 8
4 Val Di Zoldo
Tip of The Day
Val Di Zoldo has been very impressive in her two runs back this time in without placing on either occasion. Her racing pattern has counted against her of late but she does look to get an opportunity to settle a touch closer from the low draw (2). She's clearly the class horse of this field as it stands and with even luck she should be winning.
Ellerslie Race 9
2 Slipper Island
Slipper Island has had very little luck in his two runs this time in. He gets a big swing in barrier draws from his last start at Matamata, where he was forced to sit wide and be working hard throughout. Now jumping from an inside gate (2), I expect he can settle much closer without doing too much work. If the gaps open up for him, he should get every opportunity to be winning this.