By MIKE DILLON
There are no certainties at Avondale today and a horse one start away from half a century of race starts would not normally be your top bet of the day.
But Stylish Prospect (No1, R8) looks well placed to gain his first win for the winter. Two starts in tough company over the Ellerslie winter carnival for a second and a fourth were good enough to rate the top prospect in a slightly easier line-up, even allowing for a weight rise.
Stylish Prospect is twice a winner at Avondale and won't mind how tough the going gets. The interesting factor is the wide barrier draw. The racing pattern earlier in the programme will tell whether this is good or bad, but the likelihood is that by this late in the day they might be finishing on wide out.
Jumpers' flat races normally mean patches in your jeans, but Glace Star (No9, R1) should go very close. Most of these are jumpers having a crack on the flat, while he is a useful flat galloper who has had a couple of flings over the hurdles. Golden Fleece (No2) and The Lion King (No4) are possible threats.
Paden (No1, R5) stuck to her task well when third at Ellerslie last start and over an extra 200m this time gets her chance to quit maidens. Bergere (No2) was run down in the last stride after leading on this track last start.
The Winter Mile is a bit tricky, but it comes down to veteran Sir James (No2) and tough mudder Mr McGerkle (No4). There has to be an end of Sir James' remarkable career after so many seasons, but it looked a bit further away when he finished on well int fourth over 1400m at Tauranga last weekend. The extra 200m this time is what he is looking for. Mr McGerkle will love a tough slog.
The ninth is an open field and Saludos (No5) gets her chance to post a win. The hint was her good third at Te Rapa last start when she looked likely to win halfway down the straight. She is a winner at Avondale and handles most tyoes of tracks. Promise Keeper (No3) has put together some solid form.
Lord Sedona (No1, R10) looked certain to win when clear at Tauranga last. He was swamped to finish a close fourth and could be better suited this time.
Racing: Prospects looks easier for a stylish customer
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