Races ORX Ruakaka - NZ

Gelding back from a spell of three-and-a-half months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last campaign seventh of 13 at Trentham September 20 over 1400m, soft track; 5 len behind Pacific Princess with 55.5kg at $3.50. When resuming last campaign sixth of 9 at Sandown-Lakeside 3yo Mdn-Sw April 21 over 1200m, 2.5 len behind Marble Point with 58kg at $6. Winning hope in a suitable contest.

Raced twice to date. At debut, came from midfield; 2nd of 12 at Te Aroha on November 26 over 1150m, 6 len behind King's English with 57kg at $13.10. Second-up 5th of 10 at Ellerslie on December 11 over 1200m, on a slow track; 2.5 len behind Miss Jones with 57kg at $7.20. Capable of building on that performance and he looks one of the main chances.

Resuming after a three months break. Finished off last preparation sixth of 10 at Taupo October 10 over 1100m, soft track; 5.5 len behind General Menari carrying 57.5kg at $5.70. On debut second of 10 at Cambridge Synthetic September 10 over 970m, 1.3 len behind Passiflora with 56kg at $2.40. Expecting a bright return.

Gelding by Astern making his first appearance. Won trial at Avondale over 800m on December 16. Any market support will add to the confidence.

First starter by Hanseatic out of Soft Landing. Has a total of two trials leading in today's debut. Capable of a solid performance.

Was well-supported at debut, 7th of 11 at Trentham on December 14 over 1200m, 7 len behind Precipice with 57kg at $3.30. Likely to feature.

Third-up today. Freshened for 56 days. Resuming 5th of 11 at Waverley on October 19 over 1200m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Casino with 56.5kg at $15.50. Last start tried to lead throughout but was claimed late 2nd of 13 at Te Aroha on November 11 over 1150m, on a slow track; 0.8 len behind The Perfect One with 56.5kg at $8.80. Can improve. In form and is a leading hope.

Second run back. First-up after five months ran last of 11 at Tauranga on December 12 over 1200m, slow going 5.5 len behind Belle Noire carrying 56.5kg at $33.80. Previously second-up 6th of 9 at Cambridge Synthetic on June 4 over 1300m, 4.5 len behind Karyon with 55.5kg at $9. Didn't do enough first up to raise hopes.

Mare by Embellish on debut. Ran 3rd in a trial at Avondale over 1100m on December 16. Wait and see what she can do.

Form hard to fault. Last start 3rd of 9 at Te Rapa on December 20 over 1200m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind Confesara carrying 56.5kg at $3.50. The start before that gave a sight but was run down late 2nd of 14 at Te Aroha on November 11 over 1400m, slow going 0.8 len behind Ploy carrying 55kg at $3.30. Doesn't need to improve a great deal to take this out.

Three-year-old filly (Ace High - Shelly Bee) will no doubt benefit from the four trials leading in today's debut. Was third in a Pukekohe trial over 800m on December 9. Tough assignment.

Three-year-old filly (Hello Youmzain - Accalia) will no doubt benefit from the four trials prior to her debut today. Was third in a Taupo trial over 1100m on October 30. Watch for any market moves.

First starter by Super Seth out of Baby Face. Finished second in a trial at Avondale December 16. Wide barrier will make her things harder. Worth consideration.

Three-year-old filly (Swiss Ace - Palazzo Pitti) has trialled on three occasions leading into today's race. Was third in a Pukekohe barrier trial over 1100m on December 9. Wait and see what she can do.

At debut, couldn't go on with it; ran last of 10 at New Plymouth Raceway on December 31 over 1400m, in the wet; 24 len behind Oh Maimai with 57.5kg at $13. Doubt he will trouble these.

Dual acceptor. First starter by Almanzor out of Capblamo. Has a total of three trials prior to his debut today. Beautifully drawn but won't find this an easy assignment.

Dual acceptor. At debut, raced on the pace before fading ran last of 10 at this track on December 17 over 1400m, slow going 13 len behind Chilling Out with 56.5kg at $17.80. Others look better placed.