Ashburton Race 1
3 Aviva
Aviva (#3) found the line nicely into 2nd last start and her final 100m was particularly strong. She strikes another weak maiden staying field and from a low draw under Kylie Williams, she gets every chance again. Should get every chance to go one better. 

Ashburton Race 2
6 Oaksdeel
Oaksdeel (#6) didn't appear comfortable on the Heavy track last start after travelling well into the straight. Her prior effort for 3rd behind Origin Of Love reads strongly for this. Back on a better surface, she looks clearly the one they have to beat despite the wide alley. 

Ashburton Race 3
11 Hostility
Hostility (#11) was due to run earlier in the week at Te Rapa before that meeting was abandoned, and now looks superbly placed here. Drawn well with Bruno Queiroz aboard, he should prove too classy and can stamp himself as a leading Gr.1 2000 Guineas contender. 

Ashburton Race 4
5 My Sharona
My Sharona (#5) resumes and may have found the Heavy10 too testing last start back in July. She'd shown glimpses of ability prior to heading south and should find this a suitable assignment fresh. A forward showing would not surprise. 

Ashburton Race 5
7 Dakota
Dakota (#7) was okay on debut, doing a few things wrong but should have learned plenty from the experience. With a cleaner getaway, she can position just off the speed from a middle draw. Going off her encouraging trials prior and market confidence first-up, she's worth another chance here. 

Ashburton Race 6
6 Akenehi
Akenehi (#6), a 5yo mare by Fastnet Rock, resumes for Terri Rae having last been sighted finishing 3rd on the synthetic in the north. Terri has tinkered with her gear for this and typically has her horses nice and forward first-up. Worth an each-way play in an open race. 

Ashburton Race 7
6 Mountain Of Light
TIP OF THE DAY
Mountain Of Light (#6) had every excuse to finish much further back last start, where he was posted wide throughout yet still boxed on gamely. From a better gate this time, he should enjoy a far softer run in transit. I thought he deserved to be favourite and looks the one to beat. 

Ashburton Race 8
4 Quintabelle
Quintabelle (#4) wasn't suited fresh at Riccarton in a leader-dominated race but found the line okay without being pushed around too much. From the inside draw, she should get an economical run carrying just 52kg after the claim. Expect her to be hitting the line hard late. 

Ashburton Race 9
1 Cognoscenti
Cognoscenti (#1) pulled up with excuses when last seen in the North Island but had been racing against far stronger 3yo company before that. His recent trials on Heavy tracks don't serve as much of a guide, given he's better suited on top of the ground. If he returns anywhere near his best, he should have these covered – but it is a big "if". 

Ashburton Race 10
4 Lord Weyburn
Lord Weyburn (#4) was a tough watch last start when held up badly at Timaru, yet still closed off well once clear. The wide draw could see him settle back in the field, but with clear air late he looks capable of finishing over the top. Expecting a bold effort second-up.