There is a decent chance that will look even more impressive by tomorrow night.
Amarula scored a remarkably gritty win under 60kg last Saturday and because he had the distinction of having to carry that compulsory topweight, he does not get rehandicapped and will carry the same weight again.
In a small field that should not allow him to get into too much trouble and he should be very difficult to hold out. If there is a danger it's probably going to be Fire Jet, who did not at all well handle the footing at Te Rapa last weekend behind Amarula.
His handy fifth was better than it looks on paper and he should be better this time. McKay has withdrawn his 2-year-old because of a wide barrier, but will also saddle up Barcelo in Race 8, the Paul Jensen Agricultural Contracting.
He is a live chance despite an awkward gate. He copped a terrible passage from a wide gate at the last meeting and did well to finish within 1.2 lengths of the winner. He couldn't be that unlucky again.
Logan is happy to admit she and Gibbs hold strong hands in several of tomorrow's races. She highly rates the extremely promising Toorak Tower, dashing winner here at the last meeting.
On that day Toorak Tower got tired late in the race, but was always going to be fitter for the run. "Yes, he knocked up late in that race, but he's improved for that and looks well placed with a 1kg apprentice allowance," said Logan.
The stable also has Marquess Of, Rikki Tikki Tavi and Gold Rose in the same race.
Gold Rose looked very promising in an earlier preparation before her form tailed off.
"She is not very big, but has come back a fair bit stronger this time in. If the rain keeps tumbling down she will be well suited if the track is loose."
The stable has a strong hand in the last with I See Red, Honour Princess and Rockabybaby. Logan says El Fortuna and Amazing Lady are much improved horses for their respective first-up runs for Race 3.
Terry Moseley believes his first ride will be his best at Ashburton today.
He guided Standrews Masonic to victory at Oamaru last month and he's tipping the D'Cash four-year-old to go close again in the opening event, the Smallbone Limited Handicap.
Moseley will also team up with the Jack and Jo-Ann Gordon-trained Shaara in the RD Petroleum Ashburton Winter Cup Trial. "He's raced in a couple of open handicaps and gone well but he comes up against some pretty handy ones.
- Additional reporting NZ Racing Desk
