By Dave Di Somma

Race 1 - 3200 metre trot never an easy way to start the day. Going bit rough here in Missile at $18 and $5. Been a fair way off them last two starts but has been running on nicely down south, sometimes off large handicaps. Off 10m here and with the old firm of trainer Phil Williamson and son Matty to drive could be each way value. The Paul Nairn-trained trio of Tu Tangata, Masterly and Forgiveness will be well supported, as will Moment Of What.
 
Race 2 - 8 Dynasty is the top pick on the back of a second behind Stella Rouge last start but there is some good each way money around Salute. One win and two placings from last three starts and can work his way into race from second row draw.
 
Race 3 No 12 Nazareth - hard to know what's going on with this horse. Was a star then went off grid for a while. Hasn't been seen since March but trainers Robert and Jenna Dunn (and driver John Dunn) know how to get a trotter to peak when it matters Seems good value at $14 and $3.70. 7 Zoltan Boscik also has done nothing wrong in his career to date and looks a decent each way chance. Gold Bullion will start $2.50 top pick.
 
Race 4 So many chances. Like 14 Ohoka Connor despite bad draw. Can really motor home and is back to the mobile after some poor standing start form. Is nice each way play along with Miracle Mile runner up Sooner The Bettor, the now Jason Grimson-trained The Falcon, Catch A Wave, and first elect 5 Wag Star. This is a cracking race. 
 
Race 5 Duchess Megxit - only wide draw (9) can see Duchess Megxit beaten here. But at $1.90 one of the day's top picks. Looks the goods. 12 Treacherous Baby looks toughest rival.
 
Race 6 Tact Teena - more place than win chance but gets chance to impress with the top picks The Lazarus Effect and Rise Up N Dance on second row. The Lazarus Effect has turned a lot of heads at trials and on debut - so will take some stopping and there is a lot of confidence from down south with heir horse Rise Up N Dance.
 
Race 7 Just Believe - A safe getaway and the superstar wins the $400,000 Dominion Trot. Looks class above with biggest danger being four-year-old rising star Bet N Win who has won his last seven starts but has a niggly second row draw. Multiple Group 1 winner Oscar Bonavena is a rough shot, at $10 but appears to be down on his A game. What better chance to bounce back.
 
Race 8 No 3 Hadron Collider - really like the $7.50/$2.40 each way money around this horse. Has gate speed so should get/stay handy and over 1980m will get its chance. Cameron Hart to drive. 1 Rakero Rocket also very handy horse. 13 Pinseeker is the top pick for many but second row draw counts again. Not without a hope though.
 
Race 9 - Everyone saying it's a race in two. Northern Captain Sampson who has won his last four and the hotshot Marketplace who has been in sensational form of late. Is at very short odds to win from wide draw. Others to be considered, 9 Got The Chocolates who will follow out Captain Sampson (might get snookered three back the fence though), 10 Rubira and 4 Demon Blue, who apparently has improved markedly of late.
 
Race 10 - 7 Oliver - nice lead up second for this and is an each way player in a wide open field. 3 Fear And Faith will be hard to beat with 17 Ready Set Jet one that could surprise at nice money.
 
Race 11 - the NZ Cup - what a line-up. Swayzee the defending champion is back but faces a tough task from a bad second row draw. He has also had a crazy build up - winning at Young in New South Wales on Friday then a big float trip to Sydney and then flying to Christchurch, arriving Sunday night, two days out from the Cup. A win would be some achievement. Top Kiwis without doubt are Merlin and Don't Stop Dreaming. Either could easily win. Tact McLeod, Mo'unga and Better Eclipse also appeal as each way chances at good money. Tact McLeod has had good lead up form and draws one, Mo'unga buried them in the Kaikoura Cup and can get in a great spot if he steps quickly and Better Eclipse rattled home in the Kaikoura Cup and is a proven 3200m performer. Will be a beauty.
 
Race 12 - 3 Borrisokane - very good each way play to finish what will be a bumper day. 4 Bazooka looks toughest opposition with 5 Miki's Courage also a factor. For a place roughie 8 Cardi B has gate speed and can get handy