Wairarapa stables will be well represented at the Rangitikei meeting to be held at Awapuni tomorrow, and also have a single runner at Te Rapa.
Rebel's Ransom didn't get an opportunity to get off the ballot and take his place in the Rotorua Cup field last weekend but is staying up north and is scheduled to tackle the $40,000 Fairview Motors Premier at Te Rapa.
Trainer Polly MacDonald is probably a bit bemused over once again drawing the outside alley but as Rebel's Ransom is not fast out of the gates anyway, and the journey is 2100m, the wide draw is not likely to be a great worry.
With regular rider Mark Hills electing to ride at Awapuni, Rebels Ransom will have the in-form Leith Innes on board and his form is the equal of any of his rivals.
With 54kg to carry he looks well placed to extend his career earnings here and MacDonald is poised to be rewarded for her faith in the 4-year-old.
At Awapuni, the local runners are a mixed lot.
Don Fuge has Hula Dash, Justahula and Hula Sister entered in anticipation of a successful winter campaign.
Hula Sister appears to be an out-an-out mudder.
She has been away from the track since December but last showed winning form in July when she won a Rating 70 in heavy ground at Trentham.
All three of her wins have been on real winter going.
Justahula, who lines up in race 6, would also need it heavy to show any improvement on unflattering recent form and Hula Dash will be at long odds in the opening event of the day, a maiden 1600.
Among her rivals are no less than four Wairarapa-trained runners: Sins of the Father, Rangi Boy, Sivocci and the intriguingly named Banteneighty.
Best of these would appear to be Sins of the Father, prepared at Opaki by Grant Nicholson, who finished runner-up in a small field at Waverley on May 8.
Roger Allen has Liv'n Paradise entered in race 4, a Rating 75 over 1600m and this mare is well capable of figuring in the finish.
She battled on fairly well for fifth in a 13-horse field at Wanganui on May 10 and with several form runners in the line-up she would be at good odds.
The last of the day has attracted the interest of three Wairarapa runners. Tauherenikau trainer James Phillips has Jabez lining up, Gerald Innes is producing Lets Go Fratelli and Stacey Dougan is pinning her hopes on Shoothim.
All have a runners' chance but Lets Go Fratelli from the two gate looks the best chance.
A last-start winner in a maiden highweight at Otaki - despite being crowded - Lets Go Fratelli may have finally found his feet after mixing his form.
Innes has had the gelding since just before Christmas last year and was rewarded for a patient preparation at Otaki.