Best Bets | Saturday 27 September

He Who Dares comes into this after finishing second in the Sir Colin Meads Trophy at Ellerslie over 1200m, where he was beaten by race rival Affirmative Action. The 3YO colt was flying home late but simply ran out of track. The extra 200m here should play right into his hands.

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El Vaquero comes into this on the back of two convincing wins over 1200m on heavy tracks. This will be his first start over 1400m, but that should suit, giving him more time to wind up late. It will, however, be his toughest assignment to date, facing listed and group-class rivals. He also meets Fourofus again, a runner he beat last start. At odds of $4 to win and $1.60 a place, this looks an ideal race to use the Bet Back tool.

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Pokuru Gold looks well-prepared heading into this weekend. He last won over this distance at Ellerslie on 7 June and followed up with a solid trial two weeks ago, His record on heavy tracks is strong, with 2 wins and a second from 4 starts. The 1100m also suits, with 6 starts for 4 wins, a second, and a third. Drawn wide in barrier 15, he will need to work hard, but that could actually suit his racing pattern, allowing him to settle midfield and come storming home late – something he does more often than not.

La Crique has made a strong start to her 2025/26 campaign, finishing second in the Group 1 Proisir Plate at Ellerslie on 12 August over 1400m, where she was run down late by Quintessa. She lines up against a very similar field this Saturday. La Crique is in excellent form, particularly over the mile (1600m), with 10 starts at the distance for 5 wins, 4 placings, and 1 fourth. She has also drawn well in barrier 3.