Racing journalist Jonny Turner has delved into the form for today’s great card of racing at Rangiora and come up with four horses punters should consider in their calculations.
Race 3 – Millwood Goddess – $3.30 FFW
Moving in two barrier spots might just be enough for Millwood Goddess to seal an emotional win for trainer Tom Bagrie.
Racing in the colours of Bagrie’s late father Peter, following his passing on Wednesday, Millwood Goddess produced a gutsy second at Addington on Thursday.
Today’s race doesn’t look any harder and though the mare still draws wide, barrier 7 looks a workable spot for a horse who brings stronger form than her rivals.
Millwood Goddess looks a serious winning hope and there will be no shortage of supporters willing her home.
Race 4 – Buddha – $2 FFW
Barrier 1 looks the main challenge for Buddha who debuts for trainer Regan Todd on the back of a strong trial win at today’s venue.
The pacer stepped away cleanly to lead from the ace draw in the first of two trials, but that was in a learners workout, a little different to the pressure of a standing start race.
After going on to run second, Buddha impressed when powering home from off the speed to score in his qualifying trial after making a safe but steady beginning.
With the progress the pacer made from trial one to trial two, it looks safe to assume he will have taken benefit from his latest public outing ahead of his debut today.
If Buddha can step away and race handy he looks a strong winning chance for driver Robbie Close.
Race 6 – Cardi B – $4.5 FFW
A step back in grade has Cardi B well placed ahead of just her third standing start attempt.
Though the mare is a standing start rookie, she made an excellent beginning in the Ashburton Cup two starts ago when running a very creditable fifth.
Chasing talented types like Beach Flybye, Double Time and Heza Sport in that race looks outstanding form to bring to today’s rating 48-55 assignment.
If driver Kyle Cameron can step the mare and keep her handy to the pace she looks a genuine winning threat.
Race 8 – Lady Boutique – $3.20 FFW
A tenacious last start second looks a great pointer for Team Dunn with Lady Boutique today.
The three-year-old dug in bravely after sitting parked for the last lap of her latest outing at Ashburton in an up to rating 54 event.
Lady Boutique slots into company up to rating 48 in a 2600m standing start – similar conditions to the 2400m of her last standing start.
If the filly and driver John Dunn can get a little more cover than they did in their excellent last start second they should take plenty of holding out.
