Races ORX Ascot Park - NZ

Form hard to fault. Last start 4th of 12 at Phar Lap Racecourse on December 28 over 1600m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Shaking Stevens with 54kg at $14.80. The race before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 2nd of 11 at Cromwell on November 30 over 2030m, nose behind Peachy Keen with 55.5kg at $6.60. He is among the leading chances.

Recent form sound. Last start 4th of 10 at Wingatui on December 26 over 2200m, on a slow track; 3.5 len behind Mayor Of Norwood carrying 55.5kg at $5.40. The race before that 2nd of 11 at this track on December 13 over 2200m, slow going nose behind Par Tee with 54.5kg at $3.10. Can improve enough to take this out.

Most recently tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by a nose at Riverton January 1 over 1600m defeating Penvose Lad with 54kg at $8.20. The race before that 8th of 14 at this track on December 13 over 1600m, slow going 6 len behind Our Approval carrying 60kg at $44.10. In the mix again.

Mare back from a spell of ten weeks. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last preparation sixth of 10 at Riccarton Park November 15 over 2600m, on rain affected going; 11 len behind Rosso carrying 57.5kg at $10.80. When resuming last campaign fifth of 7 at Wingatui September 5 over 1200m, on heavy track; 3.5 len behind Martell with 55kg at $8.10. Expected to run well.

Last start 5th of 7 at Riverton on January 1 over 1600m, 7 len behind Willis carrying 53kg at $10.50. Before that 6th of 9 at Gore on December 21 over 1335m, on heavy track; 11 len behind Tomasina with 52kg at $26.40. Unlikely to threaten.

Recent form sound. Comes here off a 40-day let-up. Most recently tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 11 at this track on December 13 over 2200m, slow going 1.4 len behind Par Tee with 54kg at $12. The run before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.0 len at this track November 23 over 2200m on a soft track defeating A Mandarin carrying 54.5kg at $4.50. Going well. Shapes as a top three prospect.

Second run back. First-up after four months sat on the pace before fading 11th of 13 at Gore on December 21 over 1335m, on heavy track; 11 len behind Cockahoop with 56kg at $21.90. Previously second-up 5th of 8 at Ashburton on April 16 over 1600m, slow going 4 len behind Corista with 58.5kg at $12.40. Looks tested on the first up effort.