BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP

RACE 6 - 1600m

ZORMELLA / PEERLESS / FOSSE

It is anticipated the Kingsclere mare ZORMELLA should be close to securing a victory following a few less-than-ideal results during her current preparation. Wanganui was a stop/start affair trapped wide that didn't go to plan, and the ALMANZOR mare gawked around late the run prior at Puke, which cost her the win. Really needs to knuckle down with extra determination and greater focus running left-handed once more, and this track could suit with a nice trailing spot on a firm surface. A victory would be a welcome early Xmas present for the beleaguered FRAC CLUB owners who have been on course, and urging her on each time. We'll be there to cheer her on and a win does look near. Rooke on before beginning his suspension a bonus, but hopefully a well overdue celebratory drink for us come 6:16 on Friday.

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PEERLESS is a super nice WROTE gelding who wasn't too bad resuming and he could be ready to show his true ability over the mile 2nd-up. Impressive winning over the trip at Ellerslie back in June to end his prep, so we think team Wexford will be looking for a strong effort here. Well worth keeping safe as likely to measure up here running at home and with the edge on could present vigorously in the straight. Grylls jumping on will aide his performance.

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FOSSE has been going great guns, winning over the 1600m at Otaki last start and put in a nice run coming wide at Ellerslie, but forced to angle out to gain some space. Finished 2nd in Auckland over 1300m, with the DARCI BRAHMA mare likely to be in mint condition to face this challenge. Could play a major role if able to hold that form and in the right touch to feature prominently.

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BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP

RACE 5 - 1400m

COOL N FAST / WAIATA / CROWN PRINCESS

The Te Akau trained COOL ‘N’ FAST is the class horse of the field despite a limited career thus far, and the team have been attempting to get the SAVABEEL gelding back to his very best. Brilliant to begin his two-year-old season, with a powerful win before going amiss in the Karaka Millions. Long time off the scene before resuming with a 3rd at Ellerslie however, the last two runs at Taupo and Te Aroha have been affected by poor starts. Jumps well, then Craig Grylls is capable of controlling the pace and pressing on.

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The lone Wexford runner worth consideration is the lightly raced four-year-old VANCOUVER mare WAIATA, who has shown enough in only three raceday starts. Resumed off a nice trial to win fresh up over 1150m at Te Aroha in October, with the stable prepared to use patience to bring out the best in her. Jumps well then a serious threat here as the mare does have a decent turn of foot and can't be ruled out from the ace gate up against a few quality horses.

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The Walker/Bergerson trained Te Akau mare CROWN PRINCESS is resuming here, but we have some reservations fresh up being by EMBELLISH. To her advantage, she does go quick and Wiremu Pinn will likely aim up early, land on the pace and try to push on. Bolted clear over 1560m at Rotorua 12 months back, then gave it a good crack when 5th in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) on New Year's Day. Not seen since then, however a 1300m trial winner in late November.

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BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP

RACE 7 - 1600m

WAY OUT WEST / MILLE GRAZIE / VESPHIRE

The US NAVY FLAG mare WAY OUT WEST looked pretty good early in the year, winning on debut at Tauranga before battling closer for 5th in the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2100m). Quite flat since resuming, although we expect Andrew Forsman will have her in better shape with well spaced runs. Her mother CANDYBELLE (Savabeel) wasn't too shabby and she he relatively well-related. Expecting a top run.

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The SUPER SETH mare MILLE GRAZIE trained by Sam Logan at Cambridge has been around the mark since winning over 1200m at Taupo in February, then finished 3rd here at Matamata. Took on Stakes grade twice down at Riccarton soon after that and it was a baptism of fire. Better last start when 4th over 1400m at Te Aroha, so likely to turn up a much sharper girl. Likely fave and will be hard to beat.

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We believe the VESPA mare VESPHIRE from the Ralph Manning stable could be capable of showing up in the twilight meeting and she is fairly handy on her day. Ultra consistent throughout the winter with a 2nd placing to PART TIME LOVER over 1200m up at Ruakaka in June, but often just too slow away to be effective. Only one win over 1200m at Taupo back in Sept 2024, although a Soft track here might aide her chances.

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MAIDEN - RACE 3 - 2000m

BHARNSTORM / GOLDEN JACKET / RETRO

The BELARDO gelding BHARNSTORM was solid for 2nd behind the impressive Almanzor filly DANCE THE NIGHT at Pukekohe last start and that was after racing three-wide for the majority of the event. Finished 2nd to BERRY BROWN here at Matamata on a Heavy 10, before getting closer for 2nd over 1600m at Pukekohe on a Heavy 9. A soft track probably suits his pedigree but has proved a firm track is more then manageable. Can't ignore the Marsh factor.

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Bred by Cambridge Stud, the ALMANZOR gelding GOLDEN JACKET could fire up at short notice after a few runs to gain raceday experience. The Chad Ormsby trained three-year-old is out of the mare KYRIE ELEISON (O'Reilly), with her mother well-related by ZABEEL. Plenty of power is bubbling under the surface and once they hit the mark, he could be a strong stayer in time but really needs to show something.

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RETRO could be somewhat of an unknown Christmas secret Santa in this, but the filly did have two runs as a two-year-old and the Weatherley's have worked her on from then. Three efficient trials to prepare for a return, before rearing and becoming unbalanced resuming at Te Aroha. Fought on fairly in the last run over the mile at Ellerslie, although could offer much more this time up if Sam Weatherley produces a clever ride - no guarantees, but the family nag.

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MAIDEN FILLIES & MARES

RACE 1 - 1200m

ATKINS / MAZINO / JAWS

The SAVABEEL mare ATKINS looks very close to a win after running just over a length behind L'AIGLE NOIR over 1230m at Rotorua at the latest. Finished 2nd behind FANTASTIC SMILE over 1200m at Ellerslie in May, then quite green in the wet at Wanganui. Gains a clear run home here then just has to be a serious threat with ace hoop Grylls in the saddle.

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Stephen Marsh has MAZINO flying at the moment, runner-up to ST KILDA over 1200m at Pukekohe and PLOY over 1400m at Te Aroha last start. Finished 2nd to the quality stablemate LITTLE BLACK DRESS over 1200m back in March, so this HELLO YOUMZAIN filly has some ability and could take it to the next level at short notice. Seems likely to track the pace which may negate this slightly sticky draw, so keep on side in the opener.

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You might be scared to get back into the water if JAWS wins here on debut for Pam Gerard, although she is a nicely bred Waikato Stud filly by OCEAN PARK from a SAVABEEL mare in ACTING. The dam won the Gr.2 Tranquil Stakes at Caulfield as a lightly raced type and related to a good one in HOLLYWOOD by PINS. Probably worth keeping these silks safe on debut and a 3rd place finish in an 1100m trial at Taupo displayed significant improvement. Could have some bite to her.

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THREE-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN

RACE 4 - 1600m

LA REINA / LA DANZA / LOS SANTOS

The Wexford barn will bring LA REINA across the road to see if the TIVACI filly can fire up on her home course, and she is much better then the two career runs suggest. This filly is by the SAVABEEL mare QUEEN LEONORA, so comes through the O'REILLY/LEGS (Pins) pedigree which is a fine lineage. Slow away in both runs, although will be better for the experience and only needs to learn a little more ringcraft to be effective. The last effort was fairly decent as she ran home well on the inside after being stoked up leaving the final turn and just appeared a little green around the ears when asked to go. Jumps away with them, then an opportunity exists to run a much improved race.

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The Weatherley's train LA DANZA who hasn't scored a decent gate here, although from the 1600m starting point, this SATONO ALADDIN filly should have time to slot in somewhere down the back straight. She is out of a SHOCKING mare, so some late power should be prevalent after running well for 2nd on debut over 1560m at Rotorua. Good effort, as she was forced to shift outwards in tight space at the 200m. Serious chance in this despite the draw.

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The Peter & Shaun McKay trained LOS SANTOS came together with another runner over 1500m at Ellerslie and shied at the post the run prior when looking likely at Te Aroha. Nice effort for 2nd over the mile when setting the pace over 1600m in Auckland, and a run close to that has TIVACI gelding right in the picture. Worth pursuing.

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MAIDEN - RACE 2 - 1200m

ARCTIC JEWEL / CHICA / OUR LURRINA

Impossible to rule out ARCTIC JEWEL from the Walker/ Bergerson stable who finished 2nd over 1200m at Avondale in November, then raced wide without cover at Te Aroha, but held onto 3rd despite shifting in. The FROSTED filly's previous trial performance was exceptionally strong, suggesting that a significant victory here would not be much of a surprise.

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CHICA is a first starter from the Wexford stable who is by the sire SUPER SETH from the Melbourne raced mare DONNA CATTIVA (Captain Rio). The filly pinged out in an Ellerslie trial in February, moving quite well and only HOSTILITY managed to get past her. Ran home well from beyond midfield in her second trial there, then cruised along in the most recent jumpout at Avondale and she did look very smooth in her action without being pressured.

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OUR LURRINA is an interesting filly by the exceptional sire WOOTTON BASSETT from an Australian bred mare in FAINT PERFUME (Sharmadal). The dam was a high class racemare who won the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes, Gr.1 Crown Oaks, Gr.2 Kewney and Gr.2 Wakeful. Also finished 2nd in the AJC Oaks and Thousand Guineas, so if even a smidgen rubs off then she could be very handy young galloper. One run for a 5th in May, but should strip much wiser.

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BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP

RACE 5 - 2100m

GOLDEN / FREEBELLE / PROCUL BOY

The Ramsey/Ritchie EMINENT mare GOLDEN raced three wide without cover throughout last start over 2400m at Ellerslie, although the prior two staying efforts were fairly strong. Won on the Synthetic, then at Wanganui last year before an extended spell. Improved wide for 3rd at Taupo over 2600m in October, then fought closer when 5th over 2200m at Ellerslie after settling well back. Scores a sweeter trip in transit then highly likely we see a fit stayer show up and run well on her home course.

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FREEBELLE performed exceptionally well for Robbie Patterson earlier in the year, and the BELARDO gelding has shown continuous improvement with more racing since October. Won over the mile at New Plymouth in June, then did it easy at Trentham and Waverley in September. Wet is better, although can't be taken for granted as a very genuine galloper with natural ability.

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PROCUL BOY was slow away the last two runs since resuming in November, but should strip much fitter with three weeks between runs. Very sharp last prep, winning at Waverley, then offered up a big run to claim victory at Hawera. Got the job done over 1200m at Wanganui after running into trouble, so the PROISIR gelding is very good when on his game.

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BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP

RACE 6 - 1200m

UNCLE KEN / WIRE ROPE / CLASSY BRAHMA

UNCLE KEN is a well-bred SAVABEEL mare who challenged hard to win over 1700m on the Awapuni synthetic before a 4th placing there. Trialed up nicely at the beginning of December and strong recent trackwork suggests she should arrive here in prime condition for the Lowry/Zydenbos team.

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An underrated type, WIRE ROPE has shown up at times in the CD and is capable of a big finish. The DARCI BRAHMA gelding ended the last campaign with a tidy 3rd to PROCUL BOY, then suggested he is back in good order after running 2nd over 1200m at Wanganui fresh up. A fairly versatile galloper, he could be primed for a top effort on Friday and could easily take this out.

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Another DARCI BRAHMA that comes into the picture is the mare CLASSY BRAHMA from the Keegan stables. Slow away and didn't score the easiset of runs last start over 1300m at Trentham, but got through for 2nd begind THORAX after coming off heels at the 100m. Arrives ready after training on, then could be too good from them at Otaki. Definitely not the classiest Brahma.

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BENCHMARK 60 HANDICAP

RACE 7 - 1600m

OUTER FOCUS / MOHI PLACE / REV IT UP RUSTY

Might be the right kind of race for the SACRED FALLS gelding OUTER FOCUS, who may only have won 2 from 20, but goes alright here with some give in the track. Definitely not so much a Good track specialist, although put in well for 2nd to COCOBILL over 1600m at Woodville two back and then a bit slow away running over the mile at Wanganui last start. Any rain a bonus, but can't put a line through this one even on the firm.

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MOHI PLACE is an unpredictable horse at the best of times, but it's hard to not rate a PROISIR despite only one win from seventeen starts. Terrible last start at Pukekohe, however, flew late for 4th over 1600m here behind FOSSE after going back from a wide draw. Won in a tight finish over the mile at Trentham in May, and was runner up a few times in the north. A big run here back at the 1600m wouldn't surprise.

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Lisa Latta brought back REV IT UP RUSTY over the mile at Trentham, but he didn't exactly inspire much confidence after fading away without offering a whimper resuming. Rusty has been trialed since and is capable on his day, although possibly wanting further to demonstrate his abilities. The RUSSIAN REVOLUTION gelding last won over 2100m at Hawera in May 2024, although he was close up and consistent in the Autumn. One at a price for sure.

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MAIDEN - RACE 4 - 2100m

MALIBU / VICKEZZMARGAUX / WOOING TREE

Building on its previous performance, where it finished second to SHOCKIFF, MALIBU's, effort over 2200m was commendable. The RUSSIAN REVOLUTION gelding has shown enough in a handful of starts, but typically just ends up a bit off them over shorter. Needs this kind of distance and probably doesn't need to improve much as it is a rag tag bunch of tried stayers jumping out here.

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VICKEZZMARGAUX might be a bit of a plodder from the John Bary stable, but the grey EMINENT mare did finish 3rd to PLATINUM GODDESS, who's came out and won again on Sunday and she has looked better two runs in after a strong trial. The mare finished 2nd here at Otaki to SKIPPERS CANYON, although 5L off that fine galloper before going lame, then returning with a couple of fair runs. Competition seems even enough.

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What to make of this lightly raced MONGOLIAN KHAN gelding WOOING TREE, who raced in LEICA LUCY'S Desert Gold Stakes in January, then slow away when running last at Otaki in June. But there's something deep inside this Jim Wallace gelding that bugs us, and he did lead up and fight hard for 3rd in a Woodville 1250m trial in Nov. More miles on the clock since then, so a rough place chance.

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MAIDEN - RACE 1 - 1600m

SOL DE OTONO / DAMIANO / DARREN MICHIE

You can't really knock the pedigree of the Lowry/Zydenbos trained SOL DE OTONO, being by THE AUTUMN SUN out of a fine SAVABEEL mare in SAVY DREAMS, but this mare has found it hard to win one despite being all around the mark. Only one run back after finishing 2nd to GATE CRASHERS over the 1600m up at Ellerslie in May, and no further back than fifth twice in eleven starts. Might not get a better opportunity to knock one off and sure to have plenty of admirers with Myers aboard.

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The wide draw killed any chance of DAMIANO featuring last start at Trentham, but the DARCI BRAHMA gelding did well finish 2nd fresh up over 1200m at Waipuk. He comes through the PINS/O'REILLY dam lines and has shown some ability for Lisa Latta, with runner-up spots at Waverley and Otaki late last season. Stepping up to the mile should really help and not out of this by any means.

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If trainer Jim Wallace can extract a bit more out of the DERRYN gelding DARREN MICHIE, then we may see a much stronger run this time in. Fair at Wanganui and Waipuk for 5th the last two and he did trial up pretty efficiently prior to resumption, the last a gritty, fighting win over 1250m at Woodville. Digs deep to discover that kind of resolve, then right in the contest.

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MAIDEN - RACE 2 - 1400m

HARD ROCK CAFE / JOHN DOE / CRICKET

Loved the look of this gelding HARD ROCK CAFE by the sire WYNDSPELLE from day one, and why he's at $17 is anyone's guess. Finished 2nd to LANDMAN on debut before another 2nd to BRADY, also over 1200m at Woodville. Fought on for 3rd to PACIFIC PRINCESS over 1400m at Trentham before a spell. Weakened right out resuming in Wellington, but better off here and that blowout would of cleaned him up. Brave punt, although can go much better.

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JOHN DOE looks a royal chance here for trainer Mark Oulaghan, and the DERRYN gelding has offered some promise. Won his first two 1000m jumpouts before finishing 4th twice at Waverley. Resumed in November with a 3rd over 1400m at Woodville, then hampered after the start at Waverley and fought on wide out. Nice opportunity to turn things around but will need to stay out of trouble and hit it hard turning in.

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CRICKET is a Johno Benner trained filly out of a Japanese sire in ADMIRE MARS, and her trials have been quite promising. Her DARCI BRAHMA dam won three from 15, with the Granddam by ENCOSTA DE LAGO. The filly was slow to begin on debut but urged on from the turn for a reasonable first hit out. Backing the stable here and Kelly Myers, although likely to require plenty of luck jumping from wide out. Keep an eye on her.

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MAIDEN - RACE 3 - 1200m

MERCY / TOP OF THE PACK / BENNERO

The Kevin Myers trained MERCY looms as a serious player and can break her maiden after a fairly impressive trial for 3rd. Moved super and cruised up effortlessly into the frame without breaking a sweat. The filly is out of an Elusive City (USA) mare in ONEFORTHEDITCH, who was a consistent CD galloper from an O'REILLY Mare. Kelly takes the ride so be very cautious.

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The ACE HIGH filly from the Gray's Copper Belt Lodge in TOP OF THE PACK ran well in an 850m trial fresh out of the box before a fine effort defeating CARTER JOHN over 1000m at Foxton. Her unraced dam by PENTIRE was from a WESTMINSTER mare, so some classic lines of pedigree are prevalent. Could show up on debut with Bruno in the saddle.

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Cody Cole debuted BENNERO at Arawa Park over 1230m, but things didn't quite go to plan. Overraced while battling out for the lead, and despite fighting on, just acted too erratic. Nevertheless, the EL ROCA gelding did win his first two trials and he is out of an exceptional racemare in ILLUMINATES (Strategic), who won the Civic Stakes and Toy Show in Sydney, and was multiple times Stakes placed. Can take this out after that first intial education.

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