Racing: Aftershock rumbling at Ellerslie

Several smart horses are engaged at Ellerslie this afternoon - let's hope the weather allows them to start.

Aftershock (No6, R2) is one of them. If the Gibbs/Logan stable decides that the footing is okay for the emerging staying star he is worth being with. Anyone who saw the finishing sprint Aftershock turned on to win at Matamata last start will be in no doubt about this bloke's ability. Watch for Molta (No7) and Our Mavourneen (No4) to start emerging.

On exposed juvenile form fresh runner Veloce Belle (No11, R4) should be in for a profitable summer. She has had only three starts, the last two in stakes company for an impressive third to talented Chartreus at Te Rapa and second to even more talented Bianca at Ellerslie. Needuask (No1) has shown talent in two starts so far.

Not convinced Trudy Tee (No15, R6) was advantaged down on the inside at Matamata last start. She didn't look entirely comfortable and is worth one more chance after her fifth placing there. A couple of Zabeels could figure in the form of fresh runner Kurabeel (No10) and debut gelding Vanderbeel (No2).

It will be a surprise if Alonzo takes his place to resume from a spell in Race 7. He has shown his big stride needs firm footing. Pinprick (No6) won well in brilliant time at Hastings last start and is even better on a track like today's. Stay with him. Buena Ventura (No5) found the firm track against him at Avondale last week - he has not won a race on anything but slow or heavy - and will be much better suited today. Star Of Rio (No2) is always a chance and is a must for trifecta bettors.

Mark Todd could have a good day. Kate Cross (No5, R8) has to overcome a wide gate, but the form she has been in lately says she's capable of it. You had to like the way she flashed at them late to be narrowly beaten at Hastings last start. Fascinator (No10) and Alma June (No1) are hopes in a field stacked with chances.

Aorangi (No5, R9) suggested another win was close when he was beaten only one length at Rotorua. That was on a firm surface and his sole win came on a slow track. Bak Da Chief (No1) and Waitui Belle (No9) are both capable on off-tracks.

In the last, French Crest (No1, R10) should prove difficult. He looked good last campaign and showed he was ready to resume when winning a recent Cambridge barrier trial. He will manage whatever conditions prevail. Todd's mare The Myth (No10) was well supported when she resumed in a strong field at New Plymouth, but failed to figure. She has probably benefited from that and this field is considerably easier. Judgement Day (No2) has won his last two very well.

* Difficult to see how there is much profit in Jokers Wild (No1, R6) in the Wellington Guineas, run at Hastings today. He should just win. The horse to put a watch on is Sands Of Time (No6), yet to run in anything like this class, but massively impressive the way he ran clear of the opposition to win at Rotorua.

Watch for a big run from Hurrah (No2, R8) in the $150,00 Captain Cook Stakes. He failed inexplicably in the Kelt Capital, but put that effort behind you and judge instead on his fabulous third to Seachange in the Stoney Bridge Stakes. Arlingtonboulevard (No10) is in outstanding form and Leigh Valley (No13) must be due to start doing something.

One of the bets of the day at Hastings looks to be Bonjour (No1, R10). He was never really in clear space at Hastings last start and did well to finish fourth. He looks very smart. It may be a fraction early to give up on Out Of Align (No9) despite her ordinary effort in stakes company last start. Give her at least one more chance.