Del Potro poised to break through for local trainer

Masterton galloper Del Potro may be Wairarapa's best hope at Wanganui tomorrow with the 4-year-old gelding poised to win his way clear of maidens.

Trainer Stacey Dougan, who shares the ownership of Del Potro with Kahutara farmers Grant and Karina McGhie, has secured a good draw and in his six starts to date has shown enough to break through in the first race of the day.

At Tauherenikau last weekend Del Potro took on a front-running role until being challenged for the lead at the 600m and wilted to fourth in the 14 horse field.

Two Wairarapa-trained runners will line up in the Dave Hoskin Carriers 2040, also a maiden.

James Wallace has Shot of Irish entered and Stacey Dougan is pinning her hopes on Rangi Boy.

Shot of Irish was disappointing over ground at Tauherenikau after being one of the more favoured runners, finishing midfield.

The Don Eduardo filly had put in a better showing at her only other start, at Awapuni on November 8 over the lesser distance of 1400m.

With a good draw and carrying 55kg, she could easily atone for her Tauherenikau effort here and is likely to be at good odds.

Rangi Boy has likewise only had two attempts for a moderate fifth at Trentham earlier this month and a much more ordinary performance at Otaki at his last start.

The Otaki run was on an extremely heavy track and this may have hurt his chances as he finished last in the 12 horse field.

The feature event will be the Wanganui Cup being raced over 2040m for a stake of $50,000.

Down in the weights and looking to build on excellent winning form is Cambridge visitor Peace Lilly.

This chestnut mare can handle any going and her Tauranga victory was impressive.

After being slow from the gates Peace Lilly worked her way from the tail of the field, and wide, to snatch the lead at the 200m and put the race beyond doubt.

That was in the hands of Leith Innes but Peace Lilly will have the services of Kelly Myers tomorrow and will have lost nothing in that regard.

Peace Lilly will be pitching her skills against some crafty older opposition.

Levin galloper Spiro will be second-up in a fresh campaign after a reasonable first-up effort over 1200m last month.

He will appreciate the extra distance but must carry topweight.

Trainer Lisa Latta seems determined to get some of the stake on offer too, having entered three - Manonamission, Sacha and Authentic Desire.

Manonamission can never be discounted, although at 10 he looks to have seen his best years.

Sacha has drawn the three alley and looks capable of figuring in the finish and Authentic Desire looks a real threat.

Her win on soft ground at Awapuni was excellent as she got clear with 200m to run and put paid to her rivals.