As on Friday 26 January the conditions were: overcast and Dead4, rail true. 1ml rain forecast race day.
6.36 p.m. R4 4 On the Rocks (3 c Alamosa – Cold Shoulder, by Volksraad) – Jake Bayliss; was brave when finishing third here on unsuitable rain-affected footing in the Auckland Guineas (Gr. 2, 1600m) on 1 January, having won the Trevor Eagle Memorial (Listed, 1500m) here on 2 December. In good form and working well, he requires luck from barrier 14 in the $1m Karaka Million 3YO Classic (Listed, 1600m). Fixed odds: $13.00 & $3.80.
7.16 p.m. R5 11 Ruby Armani (5 m Makfi – Trujillo, by Saint Ballado) – Jake Bayliss; followed a polished performance to win the Rating 70 1400 metres on 15 December at Tauranga, leading throughout here in the Rating 85 1400 metres on 14 January. Up in class to contest the $100,000 Westbury Classic (Gr. 2, 1400m), she needs a skilful ride from barrier 12 to be competitive. Fixed odds: $26.00 & $6.50.
7.51 p.m. R6 3 Bocce (2 c Foxwedge – Whiffle, by Red Ransom) – Matt Cameron; won on debut over 1000 metres on 1 December at Otaki, defeating subsequent Wakefield Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) winner Xpression (Showcasing), and lost no friends when fourth here on Boxing Day in the 2YO 1100 metres. Pleasing in training since, he is ideally drawn (2) to prove a factor in the $1m Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m). Fixed odds: $31.00 & $7.00.
7.51 p.m. R6 9 She’s A Thief (2 f Showcasing – Steal, by Red Ransom) – Jake Bayliss; has continued to work well since finishing third here in the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) on 1 January, following two impressive wins at Te Rapa. Fairing well at barrier three in the $1m Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m), she has exhibited a class element in her races and the right trip should make her very competitive. Fixed odds: $3.80 & $1.70.
7.51 p.m. R6 14 Scorch (2 f Sizzling – Blackmail, by Strategic) – Leith Innes; has done nothing wrong in her two races, with a second on debut in December at Pukekohe, and fourth here to current race favourite Avantage (Fastnet Rock) in the 2YO 1200 metres on 14 January. Able to secure an economical trip from barrier eight will be the key to her chances in the $1m Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m). Fixed odds: $35.00 & $7.50.