GREYMOUTH - OMOTO

SOFT 7 - RAIL: TRUE - WEATHER: FINE


GREYMOUTH CUP
RACE 7 - 2000m OPEN

1. THE BUFFER

The old warhorse is still knocking around the South Island circuits after 77 starts with 11 wins and 22 placings. Has struggled recently but still managed a couple of placings at Timaru over 1600m. That seems to be the eight year olds favoured course these days, but he did stick on well over 1400m at Kurow last start, so the glory days may not be over just yet. Last won in April 2024, nevertheless the old campaigner can throw up the occasional big run, and who's to say it won't be here with the 4kg claim. Would bring the house down and cause a mini upset, however he has been good to us and we're hanging tough.


MISS SCENICLAND STAKES
RACE 5 - 1500m

7. RETAIL THERAPY

Quite a tidy, progressive type who ran some strong races early spring, winning at Oamaru over 1400m before flying late at Riccarton for second, then winning there over the mile. Battled somewhat after that and has been up a fair while, although crowded early in the Gr.3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes, then raced three wide without cover at Ashburton and began awkwardly losing ground last start at Kurow. A turn of fortune would be nice for the horse and she gets her opportunity here. Only a four-year-old by Per Incanto from the Darci Brahma mare, HERE'SHOPING and bred to win a couple more. Odds are worth taking.

BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP
RACE 6 - 2000m

5. RAVENNA ROSE

Anna Furlong brings across this nice Redwood mare who has been fairly mediocre of late in the CD, but has shown some genuine fight around the traps. Robbie Patterson did get the mare to win at Foxton in May 2024, however a few second placing was all she could manage on her home course of New Plymouth before the stayers form dropped off completely. Can run well here, as she is bred to Stay with Zabeel in the lineage and the GB sire, No Excuse Needed. Been a little unlucky and resumes after a fair rest. Can run a much improved race here if forward enough.

12. ZOOM

Unlucky at Timaru over the mile last start when crowded near the 75m mark when mounting a challenge and should have finished closer. We were keen on the Iffraaj mare striking form and she does have plenty in her favour. Reasonable draw, and a 2kg claim with the in-form Donovan Cooper aboard will really aid her chances, and the horse looks like she has found her forever home within the John Blackadder stables. Probably wouldn't mind it slightly firmer, nevertheless these are top odds. Her dam, LA BELLE AMI (commands) was quite handy in the North and the mare should be able to manage this challenge with some real heart. Can win and at these odds a fine E/W bet.

BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP
RACE 8 - 1500m

4. TOKO ONO

Nice type from the Richard Didham barn who has just transferred from the North and can a big race in his first race down South. By the fine site Satono Aladdin out of the mare, PENTHOUSE SWEET (Pentire), TOKO ONO defeated Xrated at Matamata early last year and finished second to the talented JAAFFRI over the mile on the same course. Went off the boil and lost some dash, so may be better suited in this type of company. Hopefully the change of scenery and a fresh outlook on life may rejuvenate his vigor for racing. Slightly wide draw but 3rd up and won't mind getting his toe in a bit. Has the ability to win, however what horse will we see turn up.

BENCHMARK 65 HANDICAP
RACE 3 - 1100m

7. TAIL LIGHTS

Beautifully bred, but only won a single race in 29 starts. Does seem to fire up nicely at this time of year, although often slow away and takes little part in proceedings. Considering the mare's pedigree, being by Burgundy and related to Savabeel, one might expect her to possess considerable speed, particularly given her dam's lineage and the impressive racing record of her granddam, SKATE. This horse was pretty dynamic this time last year, winning at Kurow over 1200m, then a 2nd there and another at Reefton. Didn't even leave the gates last start and just stood there which is a bit of a worry. Despite this well placed at the weights and is due a big run. Keep safe.

BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP
RACE 1 - 1100m

2. HARVATI

Possibly a really nice way to kick off on the coast and this Peter Didham-trained, Swiss Ace gelding does look very well placed to feature. Old school pedigree is prevalent, with his dam LOTTA LUV by Dubawi and her mother by the legendary Kiwi galloper, McGINTY. The Awapuni galloper HAVARTI struggled on a Heavy 10 track last start, however he did score two sprint wins on the Awapuni synthetic in August and October. In-between took on rich company at Hasting and suffered a cardiac arrhythmia. Looked quite talented at one point, running 3rd to Navigator at Trentham in the Autumn and beating Swazi at Wairarapa. Usually goes pretty keenly so likely to he right up there early and hopefully push on to the line.

RACE 4 - 1500m MAIDEN

6. GRASSHOPPER

We've always quite fancied this El Roca mare who has yet to win a race, but may not get a better chance than this. She isn't too badly bred being by a Darci Brahma mare and her formline certainly isn't the worst around. Has come close on a few occasions, however with the ace apprentice Donovan Cooper in the saddle claiming 2kg, today could be the day. Hard to be too enthusiastic as a couple of others are likely to mount a serious challenge, but we're backing the jockey to offer a top ride and throw her towards the line late. Should be suitably fit and go close.