Riccarton Park Race 1
4 Tik Tok Ted
TIP OF THE DAY
Tik Tok Ted (#4) never got clear at Tauherenikau when finishing 9th, but his work through and after the line suggested he had plenty to offer. Looks well placed stepping out to 2000m on top of the ground. From a favourable draw under Tina Comignaghi, he should prove hard to beat in this maiden field.
Riccarton Park Race 2
4 Zaharias
Zaharias (#4) ran a distant 2nd on debut at Trentham. The blinkers now go on and she gains Craig Grylls, both key positives. From the low draw she maps to find the front and fence, which is often a significant advantage in early-season 2yo races. Hard to beat.
Riccarton Park Race 3
3 Bakhita
Bakhita (#3) backs up quickly from the Pegasus Stakes on Saturday. Although beaten a margin, her late splits couldn't have been much better when working home from the back. Much better placed dropping into R65 company and should get the right run to finish off strongly.
Riccarton Park Race 4
6 Aladdins Jem
Aladdins Jem (#6) was excellent first-up at Ashburton behind a sub winner in Platinum Pantheon, strong through the line for 2nd despite little going her way in the run. She jumped well enough there to suggest she could land ahead of midfield in this. If she finds cover in the first half of the field, she can give a big sight.
Riccarton Park Race 5
2 Cashla Bay
Cashla Bay (#2) resumes in the South Island for Terri Rae. Last seen in stronger company in the Northland Breeders Stakes. Her trial since joining Rae was quiet but very encouraging. Maps to lead at her leisure from the inside gate under Matt Cartwright. Can take running down.
Riccarton Park Race 6
12 Boomtown Boy
Boomtown Boy (#12) wasn't disgraced at Trentham last start when finishing 8th. Key to him is striking better footing than he has of late. Has a strong record here and looks well placed back on the minimum. Capable of recapturing his best.
Riccarton Park Race 7
9 Jaffa
Jaffa (#9) was a touch flat last start, though she didn't get all favours when finishing 5th. Draw won't make it easy but she was always likely to get back. Third-up now and in an even field, she shapes as an improver.
Riccarton Park Race 8
9 Stonybreck
Stonybreck (#9) appeals at the price in a very even edition of the TAB Mile. Losing the rider last time isn't ideal but his dominant win prior suggests he is in top order this preparation. Maps to settle just off the speed from a good draw and Craig Grylls taking the reins is a positive.
Riccarton Park Race 9
1 Sheaf
Sheaf (#1) heads here third-up after two moderate efforts to kick off her campaign. She now jumps up in trip from 1600m to 2600m which looks more suitable. Drops back into R65 grade and Floor Moerman's claim helps with the sizeable weight. An improved effort wouldn't surprise.
Riccarton Park Race 10
12 Oaksdeel
Oaksdeel (#12) broke through at Ashburton with a powerful late finish off a strongly run mile. Should be suited again if this is run at a genuine clip, and likely to be ridden cold before looking to unwind late. In the mix to close the card.
