Race-by-race preview and tips for Wellington on Friday
Race 1 MAIDEN HCP (900m)
2. I’m Independent starts this campaign with the blinkers off, and gets first use of the inside ground.
Dangers: 9. Literacy is a clear threat second-up back on much firmer ground.
How to play it: I’m Independent to win
Racing returns to Wellington on Friday.Credit: Phil Carrick
Race 2 COLTS, GELDINGS & ENTIRES MAIDEN PLATE (1100m)
1. Big Wandji resumes for a second prep with crucial gear changes. Mixed his form in three runs early last spring, but showed in a strong open class country trial, he can park further forward fresh and finish hard over the final 300m. Trial jockey sticks for the real thing, and he should get enough speed up front here to produce a superior late burst.
Dangers: 6. Cheap Gas returns off a 10-week break and easy trial from an ideal trailing draw. 8. Goodbye Stranger can improve at his second start after being well specked at a big price on debut.
How to play it: Big Wandji to win
Race 3 FILLIES & MARES MAIDEN PLATE (1100m)
10. Hot Jive resuming from a handy trailing draw. Twice beaten narrowly in four runs last prep, including a neck defeat in a stronger Super Maiden at Gosford when she was backed from $2.30 into a $1.90 favourite. That reads well for this and has been fitted with an easy metro trial. Should park a couple of lengths back with cover, and be given her head from the 350m.
Dangers: 12. Tokyo Star resumes for the new stable. Hasn’t raced since early last October but looked to have plenty to offer getting through the line in a trial last month, and reportedly has been working well. 2. Jackets, a seven-year-old by Tickets, has her first start off two improving trials.
How to play it: Hot Jive to win
Race 4 CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (1700m)
8. Sanbano was only collared in the last few strides when leading over a mile at Newcastle before rubber-stamping that progression with a dominant win against the older maidens at that same track. Up 2kg for this but draws to get another economical run from the fence draw, and with the early hot favourite drawn wider and under the odds, she looms as one of the better value bets all day.
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