Races ORX Te Aroha - NZ

Resuming after a spell of eight months. Finished off last campaign sixth of 8 at this track March 7 over 2200m, 6 len behind Sprezzatura carrying 58.5kg at $14.90. When resuming last campaign fifth of 9 at Tauranga December 13 over 1600m, on rain affected going; 2.5 len behind Tiffanee carrying 55.5kg at $11.40. Worth keeping in mind.

Comes off a 49 day let-up. Most recently 10th of 12 at Ruakaka on September 3 over 2100m, slow going 13 len behind Haughty carrying 56.5kg at $15.80. Before that crossed from a wide gate to settle just off the pace but gave ground when 5th of 13 at Ruakaka on August 16 over 1600m, on a wet track; 6 len behind Miss Seth with 56.5kg at $17.20. Has had plenty of chances and unlikely to threaten.

Was well-supported at debut, raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 7 at Waverley on September 28 over 1400m, slow going 2 len behind Grecia Girl carrying 57.5kg at $2.10. Plenty of improvement to come and is among the leading contenders.

Three-year-old colt by leading sire Frankel out of Salsa Bella. Stephen Marsh has him ready for this with five recent trials leading in today's debut. Trialled on September 30 at Cambridge Synthetic over 1300m and finished fourth. Should play a role in the finish.

Was at long odds at debut, second last of 13 at Avondale on October 8 over 1400m, on rain affected going; 5.5 len behind Kygo Star with 57.5kg at $37.10. Faces a tough assignment.

Facing the starter for the first time. Three-year-old gelding by Complacent out of High Clarity. At the most recent trial finished fourth on September 30 at Cambridge Synthetic over 1300m. Looks set for a bold opening.

Resuming after a ten months break. Finished off last preparation ran last of 8 at Ellerslie December 26 over 1100m, soft track; 14 len behind Remala carrying 56kg at $21. On debut ran last of 9 at Te Rapa December 14 over 1100m, 58 len behind Sweet Ice with 57kg at $4.10. Expecting a strong run fresh.

Second run back. First-up after four months 5th of 10 at Tauranga on October 1 over 1200m, slow going 4.5 len behind Rising Star with 52.5kg at $13.30. Previously second-up 3rd of 8 at Matamata on June 15 over 1200m, on a wet track; 2.75 len behind Bella's Boy with 52.5kg at $9.30. Strips fitter and expected to figure prominently.

Third race start. First start 5th of 9 at Matamata on May 14 over 1200m, in the wet; 5 len behind Alacritous with 55.5kg at $7.80. Returned from break 4th of 11 at Tauranga on October 1 over 1200m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Paddy The Farmer with 54kg at $4.90. Fitter for that run and expected to be in the finish this time.

Lining up for just third start. At debut, 5th of 11 at Te Rapa 3yo Mdn-Sw on August 23 over 1200m, on rain affected going; 1.75 len behind Quantum Legend with 55.5kg at $7.20. Second-up 8th of 11 at Ellerslie in the G3 Sunline Vase on September 20 over 1400m, slow going 4.5 len behind Tajana with 56.5kg at $18.50. Won't find this as tough so expected to go close.

At the latest run 6th of 14 at Taupo on October 10 over 1300m, slow going 3 len behind Virgo Viva with 54kg at $26.30. The race before that 5th of 9 at Cambridge Synthetic on September 24 over 970m, 3.5 len behind Perfect Habit carrying 54kg at $6.90. Best form stacks up nicely so worth another chance.

Three-year-old filly (Merchant Navy - Sundaze) has trialled on four occasions leading into today's race. Was second in a 1300m barrier trial on October 16 at Cambridge Synthetic. Happy to risk without a significant market move.

At debut, sat on the speed throughout before fading second last of 8 at Taupo on September 17 over 1300m, slow going 11 len behind Places To Be with 55.5kg at $18.60. Will take valuable race experience and fitness from the run although doubtful she can improve enough.

Filly by Circus Maximus facing the starter for the first time. Runner-up in a Te Awamutu trial over 1150m on October 9. Beautifully drawn but looks tested this line-up.

Dual acceptor. Resuming after a break of five months. Finished off last preparation ninth of 13 at Hawera May 18 over 1400m, in the wet; 12 len behind Flutterbelle carrying 57.5kg at $15. When resuming last campaign 12th of 14 at Te Rapa May 3 over 1200m, on heavy track; 8 len behind Ziggy Stardust carrying 55.5kg at $27.40. Prefer to see how she returns.

Dual acceptor. Second run back. First-up after five months ran on strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 9 at Te Rapa on September 27 over 1300m, on heavy track; 4 len behind Transcend carrying 57kg at $13.40. Previously second-up eased back early on 8th of 15 at Ellerslie in the G3 Trelawney Std on April 19 over 2100m, slow going 7 len behind Kiwi Skyhawk with 57kg at $53.40. Shaping up nicely and is in the mix.