Te Aroha Race 1
8 Los Santos
Los Santos (#8) gave a bold sight when leading up and fighting on for 2nd over a mile at Ellerslie. He maps to find the front again from the wider draw under Craig Grylls and this looks a very winnable maiden contest. If he rolls forward and controls the tempo, he'll take plenty of catching.
Te Aroha Race 2
10 Reliable Squeeze
Reliable Squeeze (#10) has produced two strong runs in maiden grade at Ellerslie, even though the results don't jump off the page numerically. She now meets race winners in R60 company but arrives in better form than many of these. With a light weight, she looks a good chance of breaking her maiden.
Te Aroha Race 3
1 Giacomo
Giacomo (#1) ran a brave race for 4th in stronger company at Ellerslie last start. Carries more weight here but Hayley Hassman's 3kg claim helps offset the impost. Expect him to be ridden positively from the draw to find the front. If allowed to control the tempo, he'll give them something to chase.
Te Aroha Race 4
11 She's The Dream
Open Race time: 8:30 pm, Today
She's The Dream (#11) resumes and looked sharp winning her recent trial. Drawn well over 1150m and should land just off the leaders with cover. If she arrives in the same order as her trial suggested she's returned in, she can run a bold fresh race.
Te Aroha Race 5
2 Rise Companions
Rise Companions (#2) resumes here. He had just the two runs in his first prep where he showed clear ability despite not having luck either time. He maps to be up on speed from a favourable draw and while he will improve with the run, he still shapes as the horse to beat.
Te Aroha Race 6
18 King's English
TIP OF THE DAY
Open Race time: 9:40 pm, Today
King's English (#18) is a well-bred son of Snitzel who has shown talent in both career starts to date. Drawn to settle just behind the speed and this sets up ideally with a genuine tempo likely. Hard to beat if he runs to his prior efforts.
Te Aroha Race 7
13 More Bliss
More Bliss (#13) found the line strongly for 3rd over this track and trip on debut. She'll likely get back again but will be building through her gears late. May be better suited over further in time, but appeals as a strong each way chance at the price.
Te Aroha Race 8
10 Urlar
Urlar (#10) resumes and has trialled well enough to suggest he's forward for this. The 1400m looks a good starting point and Warren Kennedy takes the ride from a handy draw. Should settle ahead of midfield with cover and be closing off late.
Te Aroha Race 9
6 Lachie
Lachie (#6) was a touch dour first-up over 1150m but was held up at a key stage and would have finished closer with clear air. Steps to 1400m which looks ideal and he'll be strong late again if the race sets up for those looking to close off from the back.
