By MIKE DILLON
The weather forecasters covered themselves in glory again when the rain they predicted for Thursday night and yesterday failed to arrive.
It makes the world of difference to the betting at Te Rapa today.
While Party Queen might be a great bet in Race 8 regardless of conditions, her main danger in the wet, Arduous probably will not figure if it does not rain.
Stay with Party Queen, who will be almost certainly fit enough after a spell. Watch for another big fresh-up run from Te Akau Dancer, who will not mind if it rains.
Millennium (No1, R6) could end up the best 3-year-old of the season, judged on his ability to go from maiden class to Guineas victory at Ellerslie, but he has yet to try his dodgy legs on a very firm track. He certainly will not mind a bit of rain.
With the exception of Millennium, the fillies this season look stronger than the colts and geldings and Star Satire (No8), Butterscotch (No9) and La Bella Dama (No10) look the dangers to the favourite.
Chris (No3, R5) looks impressive. He ran on strongly to finish third on this track last start and will be suited by the smaller field here. Sharif (No1) will come into it with rain.
So Lets (No1, R9) was stiff last start, covering extra ground and looks on the verge of another win, while Ruakaka maiden winner David James (No7) looks to have a bit of potential.
Track conditions will play a major part in the main distance handicap. Tokyo Beau (No10, R7) could be an upsetter at good odds if the track remains dry. His two starts should have him a lot fitter and he is better than most of these at his best.
In Melbourne, Hill Of Grace, with Damien Oliver aboard, can get a major slice of the stake in the $A500,000 Mackinnon Stakes.
Her luck has been right out so far, but this is a race that suits well. Watch French visitor Mont Rocher.
Another Kiwi mare It's Platonic can dramatically improve on her Australian debut sixth at Caulfield when she takes on the $A250,000 Hardy Brothers Classic.
She did not appreciate being jammed up against the rail that day and on the wider expanse of Flemington, and over the extra 200m distance, she can produce the form we expect of her.
Provided the track is not slow or heavy, have a bit each way on Universal Prince in the Victoria Derby and save a little on the Kiwi runner Falls The Shadow.
Racing: Weather major transtasman factor
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.