The promising young filly has made a solid start to her career, finishing fourth in her maiden race, 4.5 lengths behind the impressive Well Written, before breaking through for a win at Te Aroha over 1150 m. She steps up in distance here, which will be a good test, but she’s a strong chance to go back-to-back. She also won her last start on a soft track.
Currently paying $2.70 to win and $1.35 a place.
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| 8. Avantaggia (8) J: Vinnie Colgan 55kg 41 T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson |
Affirmative Action has had a fantastic start to his career, winning back-to-back races, and will be looking for the hat-trick here in the Group 1. This is a much bigger step up for him as he faces a very strong and fresh field, with some runners bringing Group race form. He’s only raced against and beaten He Who Dares, and has drawn a tough barrier in 9. For his front-running style, he’ll need to work hard early to find the lead and bring the field home. Currently paying $4.00 to win and $1.75 a place.
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| 1. Affirmative Action (14) J: George Rooke 57kg 311 T: Pam Gerard |
Slipper Island has had a steady start to this preparation, finishing mid-pack in both runs but looking to rediscover his winning form after ending the 2024/25 season with four straight wins over 1200 m. He most recently ran fourth here over 1000 m, beaten by race rivals Platinum Attack and Texas Dolly.He looked strong late over the shorter trip but simply ran out of ground — the 1200 m should suit him much better. From 10 starts at the distance, he’s won five and placed second twice. Paying $8.00 to win and $2.50 a place.
| 4. Slipper Island (7) J: Matt Cartwright 54.5kg 11X54 T: Tony Pike |
Maybe Diva could be a very overlooked mare. Her 2025 season prep has surprised a few, winning two of her four starts and running second here at Riccarton over 1400 m last week. Stepping up to 1600 m should suit her, as she was flying home from the back in that last run.She also finished ahead of rivals Show Pony, Little But Fierce, Dimaggio, and On The Town. Paying $7.00 to win and $2.80 a place.
| 15. Maybe Diva (3) Scratched: | |||