Ellerslie Race 1
4 Bosch
Bosch (#4) impressed with his late work over 1400m behind Tuxedo last start, which should have him primed stepping back up in trip. He maps to land one-out and one-back if ridden positively early, with Rua Rocks and Khan Hunter likely to control the tempo in front. From that position he looks set to run another honest race.
Ellerslie Race 2
7 I Park
I Park (#7) ran on strongly from the back at Te Rapa to finish 4th in a bunched finish. The blinkers come off for this, which should help him find a better rhythm, and Matt Cameron sticks. In a very even race, he shapes as an each way chance at odds.
Ellerslie Race 3
13 Heza Sharp One
Heza Sharp One (#13) was good last start at Te Rapa, producing the fastest last 200m of the race over 1200m. Stepping up to the mile looks suitable off that effort and he should get a quiet run in transit from the low draw under Matt Cameron.
Ellerslie Race 4
3 Osteria
TIP OF THE DAY
Osteria (#3) resumes here and looks ideally placed fresh. George Rooke takes the ride, having partnered him to his sole career win. The first 100m of the race will be key, but with Hard Roca and Opaea Joe likely to give him a cart across, he could well land handy with cover if ridden positively. If that unfolds, this becomes his race to lose.
Ellerslie Race 5
4 Mr Marigold
Mr Marigold (#4) was ridden like the best horse in the race last start and delivered accordingly at short odds. Michael McNab sticks and from the wide draw he'll likely be taken back in the field. With a strong tempo engaged, he looks a solid each way play coming from off the back.
Ellerslie Race 6
6 Storm Front
Storm Front (#6) resumes after being pulled up with excuses here last start, but his prior win at Ellerslie was excellent. His recent trial was very good, savaging the line late, which suggests he's come back in good order. The wide draw makes things tricky, though McNab aboard is a positive.
Ellerslie Race 7
9 Lodi Dodi
Lodi Dodi (#9) missed the start first-up and never looked comfortable in the conditions thereafter. She should be better suited getting onto a more even surface at Ellerslie, and Craig Grylls on from a low draw looks ideal. Can improve sharply.
Ellerslie Race 8
6 Moving Melody
Moving Melody (#6) resumes having last raced in the Gr.1 Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes back in March. She's trialled strongly ahead of this and should secure an economical run from the inside gate under Bruno Queiroz. Likely to settle behind Leroy Brown and Churchillian, she is a genuine each way contender if the gaps open.
Ellerslie Race 9
12 La Crique
La Crique (#12) resumes after two excellent trials that suggest she's back in top order. The Ellerslie track with the sting out of it suits her perfectly, and Michael McNab electing to ride her over Tuxedo is a strong lead. Expecting she could settle handy in a race lacking an abundance of early pressure. High-class mare capable of striking first-up.
Ellerslie Race 10
8 The Prophet
The Prophet (#8) resumes, having last been seen winning well in April. His recent trial was very good, finding the line strongly from the back. The wide gate isn't ideal, but the long run to the first bend gives Sam Collett options. Capable of running a bold race fresh.
