Riccarton Synthetic Race 1
1 Secret Beau
TIP OF THE DAY
Secret Beau (#1) is first-up in New Zealand for Joseph Waldron and brings strong synthetic form from Australia, having placed 2nd in both career starts. Matt Cartwright, who rode him in one of those Australian outings, takes the steer and should have him positioned on speed from a handy draw. Finds a very winnable race first-up and looks the one to beat.
Riccarton Synthetic Race 2
1 Villasanti
Villasanti (#1) has been racing consistently without breaking through and now gets the services of Michael McNab from a middle gate. The step up to 1600m looks ideal given the way he's been hitting the line over shorter. Deserves another chance and looks hard to beat in this.
Riccarton Synthetic Race 3
8 Royal Assent
Royal Assent (#8) was excellent first-up here when finishing 2nd over 1200m despite having little room late. The rise to 1400m looks ideal, and she maps for a similar run just off the speed. Looks a strong each way play again.
Riccarton Synthetic Race 4
5 Freedom Reins
Freedom Reins (#5) didn't handle the Heavy10 at Oamaru but is much better suited getting back onto the polytrack. Bruno gets back aboard and the addition of side winkers could sharpen her up. Expecting a much improved showing.
Riccarton Synthetic Race 5
1 Tomyturbo
Tomyturbo (#1) had no luck last start when finishing last but was never clear in the straight. He'll likely settle near the rear again but should be strong late if he gets a gap this time. Can bounce back with even luck.
Riccarton Synthetic Race 6
2 Gee Force
Gee Force (#2) undid himself last start when forced to work hard early. With Matt Cameron now aboard and another handy barrier, he should get a soft run just off the speed and can be competitive if he races a touch more tractably.
Riccarton Synthetic Race 7
3 Peecee Pussycat
Peecee Pussycat (#3) was only grabbed late last start when runner-up over a mile. Maps to find the front again and if McNab can control the tempo, he'll be hard to peg back. Capable of going one better.
Riccarton Synthetic Race 8
13 Vivacious
Vivacious (#13) was a bit flat last start over 1400m, but a likely blistering tempo over 1200m should suit her better here. If the leaders overdo it up front, she's capable of letting down late and finishing over the top of them.
Riccarton Synthetic Race 9
12 Miss Starlight
Miss Starlight (#12) was impressive on debut, surging away after working across from out wide. There looks to be more pressure this time, but she maps to get a similar cart across the field and can win again with natural improvement.
Riccarton Synthetic Race 10
10 Enterprise Gem
Enterprise Gem (#10) closed hard from the back to win over this course and distance last start. With another solid tempo expected, she'll likely be getting back again but can storm home late with McNab aboard. A solid each way chance to close the card.
