Mike Dillon: Punters need luck of the Irish

Stephen McKee has few horses racing, but he should be a potent force with Irish Colleen at Te Awamutu today.

Irish Colleen (No4, R3) is a classy wet-weather mare who looks well placed with 53.5kg. She weakened late in a much stronger field over 1400m at Tauranga last start, but drops to a 1150m event today.

Veloz (No1) looks the danger, but with 58kg he faces a tough task.

Gentullah (No11, R1) is a big chance on his home track. He looked good on debut and finished a nice fifth last start. Out Of Pocket (No2) looks promising.

La Solar Eclipse (No6, R2) was outfinished at Tauranga last start, but looks better placed today. She is already a winner at Te Awamutu and although the No1 barrier draw is perhaps not ideal, she looks a great each-way prospect.

Yeah But No But (No1, R4) might be one of the worst-named horses racing, but he's going to make a splash today. The 2kg Jason Collett pulls off his back is going to be important and so, too, is the step up to 2000m. Walsburgs Leader (No4) is another who might appreciate the 2000m.

Waicou Wasp (No1, R5) has had two starts back from a spell and should be fitter. He is up to beating this field. El Pzaaz (No7) has been a touch disappointing, but is worth a chance.

You get the strong impression Elblitzem (No5, R6) has been building to a win. That was a good effort he turned in at Ellerslie last start when running on late after a very slow start. That was at 1200m and he looks much better placed here at 1580m. This won't be easy though because Taking The Mickey (No2) and Pindy (No1) are classy, although Elblitzem's 55.5kg gives him the edge. The boilover could be Material Girl (No7). Her form looks ordinary, but she is a classy mare and has had three starts at Te Awamutu for two wins and a placing.

The John Grylls Memorial, Race 7, is a toughie with Keeper Coming (No5), ridden by Craig Grylls, being the sentimental favourite.

He has been twice second in the race named after his late grandfather from just three seasons of riding.

Keeper Coming is a live chance and so is Angelwithattitude (No7).

Justawins (No9) is much better than her surprisingly ordinary effort at Tauranga last start. It would pay to ignore that run and include her here.

Coolross(No3, R8) is a chance in a very even field in the last. He deserves a win and the wide barrier might be a blessing this late in the programme if the inside has been chopped up.

Proposed (No8) and Moni Nui (No7) are hopes and don't overlook locally-trained Wida's Dream (No9).