Races ORM Ascot Park - NZ

First-starter by Banquo out of Mongolian Diamond. Not seen on the track yet so hard to assess. Market the best guide to his chances.

First starter by Vespa out of Kelly Jane. Finished third in an Ashburton trial November 25. Capable of a solid performance.

First-starter by Derryn out of La Petite. Untrialled, so tough to assess real chances. Should kick off on the right note.

Comes off a 39 day let-up. At the latest run 12th of 16 at Wingatui on November 4 over 1400m, 10 len behind Afire with 54kg at $8.70. The start before that made ground from midfield; 3rd of 13 at Wingatui on October 17 over 1600m, on rain affected going; 1.0 len behind Tralee Bay carrying 52.5kg at $2.70. Has ability and is well placed to atone.

Third-up today. Freshened for 57 days. Resuming 5th of 13 at Phar Lap Racecourse on September 24 over 1200m, slow going 2.25 len behind The Fed Express with 55.5kg at $3.70. Second run from a spell won by a neck at Wingatui October 17 over 1200m in heavy going defeating Princess Reign with 55.5kg at $3.40. Fitter and is a top chance again.

Lining up for just third start. At debut, 11th of 14 at Wingatui on November 4 over 1200m, 8 len behind Red Invader with 55kg at $6.30. Second-up won by a nose at Phar Lap Racecourse November 19 over 1200m defeating Full Cream with 55.5kg at $9.60. Terrific chance to make it two wins on the trot.

Third-up today. Resumes off a 49 day letup. Resuming won by 4 len at Gore September 21 over 1335m in the wet defeating Go Thea with 54.5kg at $4.10. Second-up 8th of 10 at Riccarton Park in the G3 War Decree Stakes on October 25 over 1600m, 9 len behind Origin Of Love carrying 55kg at $24.70. Must be included.

Recent form sound. Returns from a 31-day let-up. Last start 4th of 10 at Riccarton Park on November 12 over 1400m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Kiwi Magic with 55kg at $22.10. The race before that 2nd of 10 at Riverton on November 2 over 1200m, on rain affected going; 1.3 len behind More Sass carrying 52.5kg at $5.30. Can do much better this time.

Last start ran on from midfield; 3rd of 14 at Cromwell on November 30 over 1400m, 1.5 len behind Let Me Loose with 55kg at $45.20. The start before that 5th of 14 at Cromwell on November 28 over 1220m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Lucky Ferrando with 55kg at $30. Likely to find this a bit tougher and others appeal more.

Second-up. First start second last of 9 at Pukekohe on March 21 over 1200m, on rain affected going; 7 len behind Little Black Dress with 54kg at $8.40. Returned from break ran on from midfield; 4th of 14 at Cromwell on November 28 over 1220m, slow going 5.5 len behind Lucky Ferrando carrying 54kg at $9.30. Strips fitter and expected to feature.