New Plymouth Race 1
3 Bamboozle
3 Bamboozle: I was with Bamboozle first-up at Tauranga and while he was arguably entitled to finish much closer than he did, I thought the run had merit considering the interference early in the home straight. He's a lightly tried son of Tavistock who should relish the 2000m here and this only looks a moderate maiden field. Willing to go again with Bamboozle in this.
New Plymouth Race 2
9 Dua Dance
Dua Dance was a pass mark at Ellerslie last start after being very passively throughout. A Senior rider now goes on second-up from the a low draw (2), which should hopefully see her land much closer. She's shown plenty of upside at the trials, however, now needs to show it on raceday. Happy to side with her at the price in an open affair.
New Plymouth Race 3
2 On The Town
On The Town was somewhat underwhelming last start as a very short favourite at Te Aroha, however, he looked to have his excuses that day. He should get a firmer track to work with here and will likely be allowed to find his feet off what looks a genuine tempo on paper. Happy to forgive last start and go again at a much better price here.
New Plymouth Race 4
10 Fillygizalook
Fillygizalook was possibly a touch unlucky not to win last start at Tauranga after being pushed out sharply at the bend by the eventual winner, Arundel Castle. That race has produced a subsequent winner in what looks to be a smart filly in the shape of Prosegur. She should be able to maintain a position handy to the speed from the low draw (2), she looks as good as any in this.
New Plymouth Race 5
8 Mesa Verde
Tip of The Day
Mesa Verde looked all but home at Rotorua first-up until she was bombed in the shadows by her stablemate, Scouser. Cody Cole has been selective with where he places this mare, as he has dodged firmer tracks over the past week to find a surface in the Soft range. I expect from the wider gate (8), Kevin Stott will be positive early and put Mesa Verde up on the speed, which should give her a key map advantage over Malachy and Tiny Diamond. She's a very good bet for mine if we're on a Soft5/Soft6 come Race 5.
New Plymouth Race 6
4 Loch In Ora
Loch In Ora was just fair when resuming at Hawera last month, where she was strongly backed into a clear favourite. She's been freshened up since that effort and stays at the 1400m here with 6 weeks between runs. She maps to get back off what should be a very strong tempo, which should setup well for her to be rattling over the top late. Safe to say a much improved effort can be expected here.
New Plymouth Race 7
8 El Nymph
El Nymph may be one of the outsiders of the field at publish but I thought she could run a race at odds here. She ran well last start at Waverley where she was well out of her grade and therefore poorly placed at the weights on the minimum that day. She's drawn wide (11), which I'm hoping will see Ulrika Holmquist roll forward and try find the front from the outset. If she can find the front here, I thought she would give a great sight at odds.
New Plymouth Race 8
4 Poetic Justice
Poetic Justice was a solid effort when resuming at Pukekohe. From barrier 2 he ended back near last, which likely was plan A, B or C for Michael McNab that day. He draws the inside gate again here second-up and with a cleaner getaway he should position much closer to the speed. This maiden field looks well within his reach.
