Racing: Classy Khepri can be punters' pal

On a card devoid of obvious anchors, Khepri should be Pick6 punters' best friend at Taupo today.

The group-placed filly takes a massive drop in class from her recent assignments. in the second leg, the Vero Insurance 3-year-old.

Last time out she swept up to challenge on the turn in Valpolicella's group three Manawatu Classic (2000m) at Awapuni.

She wilted slightly in the final 200m to finish seventh, five lengths adrift of the action, but nudged out the classy Pierre Joseph, who would be a $1.50 chance in a race like this.

That was also her first attempt past 1600m and on a track like Taupo, the 1800m looks made to order for the Peter McKay-trained 3-year-old.

The 2007 Matamata Breeders' Stakes placegetter will probably settle off the speed again for rider Michael Walker.

But with just a handful of rivals to whip around this time, she won't get a better chance to pick up a $7500 TBS bonus.

Stablemate and obvious main danger Lightning McQueen should ensure a true pace.

In other Pick6 races:

LEG ONE

It's tempting to also trim the spend and fly solo with the Mark Walker-trained Blue Beat in the opening leg.

The Street Cry flyer hasn't run since June last year, but has gone well in that state before against some handy types.

On debut last May she was caught late by Yao and next up had the exciting Mufhasa at full-stretch to catch her in a $20,000 feature at Ruakaka.

LEG THREE

This is where the $50,000 Pick6 chase starts to get confusing.

Two-race winner How Cannhe must be included, especially in a fresh state from an inside gate.

He's won before that way and looked close to peak winning a 1000m trial at Te Awamutu on March 25.

If caught in the right mood, Walker-mount Cape Point is also worth having on the multiple ticket.

He's won at Taupo before and has beaten better fields than this.

For insurance, you may need to go wider than any other leg with Albercheno, Badgirldeb, Crom Abu, El Chico and Tiverton all holding credentials for inclusion.

LEG FOUR

Another tricky one with four or five serious contenders. Tarascon wasn't far off a stronger field than this last time out at Awapuni.

He can race handy and hasn't had a lot of luck lately.

Vanderbeel is running out of excuses, but showed glimpses of his old form when a close fourth to Snip last time out.

Course winner Voltage, who is stepping back from R90 class, also looks on the verge of a return to winning form.

Central districts visitor Marno could provide the upset.

LEG FIVE

Course winner Burning Desire returns to Taupo for the first time since beating the group-placed Velvet and Satin there in 2006.

She looked on the verge of a return to that kind of form with a close-up fifth fresh-up behind Loaded Command at Avondale on March 19.

Tycoon Princess comes into calculations with James McDonald's 2kg claim. She hasn't won for over a year, but beat That's My Char and Faltaat Gold last time she did.

LEG SIX

A maiden 3-year-old race is a nerve-wracking way to end the Pick6, but it looks a race in four - maybe five at the most. They include the Chris McNab- trained Woodent, who had no luck on debut at Hastings on March 22.

You also need Madeleine Noblet on the ticket after her close debut second, and if the budget allows, Flaviou, Luminoso and Her Royal Highness.