Although traditionally more memorable for the action off the track than on, today's party season starter at Ellerslie is shaping as an exception.
The $100,000 twilight Pick6 boasts decent-sized fields with some talented types who could blossom into feature acts during the summer carnivals.
Gallant, a late-blooming New Zealand Derby favourite last season, is at the top of that short-list.
He'll relish the step-up to 1600m in the feature, the R80 $20,000 Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Cup.
Watch, too, for the reappearance of the regally-bred $1.45 million yearling Maciano in leg four.
The son of 1993 Derby winner Popsy takes his first serious step toward emulating his dam's feat in the $2.2 million version in March.
LEG ONE
Another minefield of maiden staying hopefuls with a spread of five needed to feel any degree of safety, namely Catchions, The Raconteur, Zambezi, Road To Rio and Petranova. Most of those are normally back-runners, which could give a slight edge to The Raconteur who was trapped wide for most of his last-start Rotorua third. Sam Spratt should get him a sweet trip from the inside gate and break clear on the corner.
LEG TWO
She's no certainty in another even line-up, but Infinite Way has been building to a win in this type of race. She had her chance to win when third as favourite at Te Rapa behind Electronic Socks, but should be improved and this doesn't look any stronger. Infinite Way was good enough to run fifth in the last New Zealand Oaks. She still does a bit wrong, but big-striding Montjeu mare La Belle Epoque looks suited to the middle-distance ranks and has to be included in her first try past 1600m. Round out the multiple ticket with Nothingbutthetruth who got a rocky run when eighth in a stronger Otaki field.
LEG THREE
Glendoveer made a great fist of her debut when second to the promising Italian Princess over 1200m at Te Rapa. The extra 200m will suit her even better; her mum Lunete scored two impressive wins over 1400m before campaigning in Australia. Our Dream Catcher has been costly to punters in each of her three starts - a beaten $3, $2.40 and $1.90 favourite - but include her again. The unlucky November Rain should also be thereabouts if she gets a clear passage in the straight.
LEG FOUR
Trainer John Sargent could unveil a big New Zealand Derby hope in high-priced yearling Maciano. The son of Redoute's Choice and Popsy has been patiently handled until now - his only raceday run producing a quiet third over 1400m at Hastings in October - but expect a stronger signal of his group race potential over 1600m. Back-runner Call The Cat and Mangaroa Molly appeal as back-ups on multiple tickets, with Solzhenitsyn and Breezy Will also worth inclusion if the budget allows.
LEG FIVE
After the costly spreads in the preceding legs, tighten the purse strings with the card's best anchor Gallant. He cost punters a fortune when third at Te Aroha, but he was always vulnerable over 1400m. Considering he was slow away and then had to contend with a stop-go pace up front, his effort for third was enormous. If Blue Ranger slides forward and sets a decent clip, expect him to be charging through for Michael Coleman inside the final 100m. Last-start R80 winner Nadege is the insurance runner; she'll get another cushy trail.
LEG SIX
It's a big step up for Tanha Strike from a Dargaville maiden, but he looks to have the gears to cope. His winning time of 1:21.56s that day was more than a second quicker than today's rival So Pristine clocked when winning the R70 event on the same card. The Octagonal gelding was also rated good enough to contest the group two Avondale Guineas before the rain hit. The under-rated Jena The Guru had the look of a next-up winner when fourth fresh-up at Te Rapa. Her only raceday win came in the same state this time last year.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Sport
Herald Hat-trick sports quiz: April 24
Can you go three for three and earn a hat-trick?