Nothing is going to appreciate the small field in Race 1 better than Gendarme (No2). From the outside No 14 barrier he was posted three and four deep throughout on this track last start and didn't do too bad to finish mid-field. He is better than his record looks and will take beating in the opener. Arcenciel (No3) is coming in fresh. She looked very promising last campaign and is the type to throw in a big run when resuming.
Few maiden winners recently have looked better than It Has To Be You (No6, R3) when he got home strongly to take the prize at Pukekohe recently. He hit the line strongly from mid-field down the long Pukekohe home straight and the small field this time will help him in his attempt to do the same thing at Ellerslie. This is an extremely even field and the multiple bets look very difficult.
Magic Epic (No17, R4) has had to come off the ballot, but don't be surprised if he proves difficult to down today. He's been a bit stiff not to have left maidens in his four starts and he's learning as he goes. He has a nice barrier to launch his speed from. Once again a very even betting race with no standouts.
Sum Up (No1, R5) looks headed for the best staying ranks and drops his 60kg to 57kg with an apprentice claim. But then Veldt (No5) is also claiming. Veldt will receive 4.5kg from Sum Up and that's a lot of weight at the end of a tough 2200m at Ellerslie. He might be the better each-way bet at the odds.
Maythehorsebemagic (No3) beat Veldt by two lengths at Pukekohe last start, but he meets Veldt 2.5kg worse off this time. Very interesting race.
Elusive Storm (No12, R6) had a torrid time sharing the pace on debut at Te Awamutu last time. She did well to stick on and finish second and with a more comfortable trip this time should again be competitive.
Durham Town (No10, R8) has had just six raceday starts. It's difficult for a horse of such inexperience to win a group two sprint event, but Durham Town might just be special enough to do it. He has looked very stylish, has been patiently handled and should be in for a great summer. He has drawn a barrier which should see him in the one-out running line rather than jammed up on the rail, which should provide him with clear air in the home straight. Difficult race, but Double Barrel (No3) suffered from a wide gate when beaten a nose at Pukekohe last start and should appreciate the rails draw.
The last, like most of the races, is a very open affair. Therefore weights and barrier draws play a bigger part and with Despereaux (No2, R10), dropping 3kg with Alex Forbes aboard and coming out of gate No 2, he's going to get his chance. He was winding up just a fraction late when narrowly beaten at Matamata last start and should be coming at the leaders at the right time in this race. Despite topweight, Dark Bishop (No1) rates.
Whichever way you sum up Trentham's $200,000 Westbury Stud Captain Cook Stakes you cannot make a case to back something to beat Mufhasa (No1, R9). If this was a handicap Mufhasa would be carrying 63kg, so at virtual level weights he looks special now the track is looking like coming up with an official good rating.
Don't be surprised if Banchee (No9) provides the opposition. She was lengths below her best when fourth in the Breeders Stakes at Pukekohe and is likely to be much more competitive this time.
