Racing: Conditions to suit Culminate

If you need a last-start formline going into tomorrow's $80,000 Postponed Classic at Hawera it belongs to Culminate.

One length from winner Daffodil in the group one Windsor Park Plate looks impressive going into this group three event.

It was actually what happened before Culminate finished that close up at Hastings three weeks ago that points to her chances here.

The Auckland mare sat outside them for the second half of the race, challenged bravely then capitulated only late to be very close.

You can make the case that if they ran that race 10 times, Culminate would win it at least once.

At level weights again she looks to have a fair bit on some of tomorrow's opposition.

The only potential problem is the wide barrier draw.

"I'm very happy with her," said trainer Stephen McKee before leaving midweek to look after Mufhasa for his Melbourne campaign.

"Yes, the draw is a worry, but it's possible that late in the programme the draws out a bit might be the better option."

You only have to look at Culminate's overall record to know you're going to get a run for your money: 24 starts for nine wins, five seconds and six thirds.

Like most of the races at Matamata and here at Hawera, there is potential for confusion.

Yanna Marie made a little ground in last week's Kelt Capital to be six lengths off Vosne Romanee and shouldn't be ignored here.

She is a high class mare who hasn't always enjoyed good luck in her past four or five races.

This race sets up as if it will suit her back-running style.

Matamata mares Il Quello Veloce and Pennacchio are right in the race.

Things didn't quite go right for Il Quello Veloce in the Windsor Park Plate at Hastings and don't be surprised if you see a much improved finishing place this time.

She is capable of beating most of these at her best and can handle some wet tracks.

For a mare that has yet to race against open company horses, Pennacchio looks disadvantaged at level weights, particularly when you consider Culminate's earnings are $617,505 compared with her $32,575, but that might not tell the entire story.

Pennacchio has looked very impressively lately, can handle wet footing and her stable is not about over-facing horses.