Hastings Race 1
3 Don Pauly
I was with him last start at Taupo where he got a long way back and rattled home late, producing the fastest last 400m and 200m of the race. I like the fact he now has a run under his belt, whereas many others at the pointy end of the market are heading here first-up. The key to his chances will be where he lands in running, if he can position closer to midfield I think he'll take some beating.

Hastings Race 2
2 Nereus
Smart type who connections thought enough of him to tackle the Mornington Cup last campaign in an effort to get entry into races like the Caulfield Cup. Now 2nd up, stepping up to the mile with Opie Bosson taking the steer, there is a lot to like about Nereus heading into this. Clearly has bigger targets in mind later in his preparation, should be hard to beat here regardless.

Hastings Race 3
2 Lanikai
I thought there was merit in his sole trial leading into this resuming run, where he looked to have a strong hit-out without looking overly comfortable in the Heavy conditions. He maps to land a nice spot just off the leaders from the low draw (4), on a day where it will likely be advantageous to be up on the speed. Looks an leading chance in a very competitive race.

Hastings Race 4
11 Promised Land
He arguably did his best race up at 2000m and beyond last campaign, and he now jumps from 1500m to 2000m 2nd up here. I thought he could land slightly handier than usual from the low draw (4), which is going to be vital with the way I expect this track to play. He looks to have more upside than most in this and will likely appreciate the firmer conditions far more than others.

Hastings Race 5
1 Move To Strike
Tip of The Day
His trials would suggest he's come back in fantastic order for his 3yo season. His latest trial behind Faraglioni was a great pipe-opener for this resuming run, where they went roughly 6-7L faster than Crocetti's trial win on the day. He maps to follow Super Photon throughout, and I think there'll be enough pressure in front to bring them both into this late. Best bet.

Hastings Race 6
1 Slipper Island
He has trialled very well for this resuming run where he coasted home under his own steam on the Cambridge Synthetic. The draw (9) could prove very sticky, however, if any can find a position from a wide gate it's Opie Bosson.

Hastings Race 7
1 Velocious
While the speed map looks to favour Alabama Lass and Captured By Love, I couldn't believe the opening price around Velocious. She may have been well below her best first-up, however, she did have her excuses that day. Drawn low (2), back on a firmer track second-up, she should get every conceivable chance to find her best form. Obvious concern is that she'll likely be giving her main rivals a good head-start. Happy to play her at the price and looks a very good each way prospect.

Hastings Race 8
7 Candle
Locally trained mare who has a great first-up record. Candle typically gets back in her races, which I don't view as a negative in this race, where it looks like it will be run at good speed throughout. Will likely find herself back of midfield from the middle draw, should be charging home at the finish.

Hastings Race 9
3 Sacred Satono
Admittedly, I do think Crocetti will be very hard to beat, however, he looks well found at the current price for mine. Sacred Satono disappointed as the favourite for the Foxbridge Plate first-up where he didn't look to handle the Heavy conditions at Te Rapa. He now gets back on a firmer deck, jumping from a much better barrier (3) and we're getting a much better price. Willing to forgive the first-up miss and play him at the longer price here.

Hastings Race 10
3 Witz End
He looks very hard to beat in the last race of the day out of Hastings. Back from an unsuccessful trip to Sydney, he's now had two trials leading into this resuming run. He possesses good early toe, which should see him lead or handy to the speed in this. He looks to have plenty of upside and he could progress on to much better races after this.