Racing: Ellerslie won't stop Salvatore

Each victory has seemed to get easier for Salvatore. Photo / Christine Cornege

It hasn't been the fact Salvatore has won his last three races, it's been the way he's achieved them.

Each victory has seemed to get easier and he does not look too badly off on 56kg in today's $70,000 Eagle Technology Stakes (R8) at Ellerslie.

He's showing all the signs of a horse that has not had a gut-buster in his streak of form - he's weathering the campaign strongly.

Trainer Anne Herbert has been concerned the firm tracks will eventually get to Salvatore, but even if that is true it's unlikely today's Ellerslie surface will be the first.

The 10mm of rain on Tuesday helped enormously and further irrigation has kept the track in perfect condition without being too firm.

High Octane and Alagant Satin are obvious multiple bet choices.

Bella Rosalia (No11, R1) was beaten favourite in an open handicap last start and drops back to R70 today. She got back and never emerged that day at Awapuni, but it would pay to go here on her luckless third in this grade at Rotorua two starts back. She will go close. Street Siren (No13) wasn't the worst last start when fourth at Te Rapa. She is well up to this type of race. Fourmula (No5) is a chance and so is Bunny McDougal (No14). She got all favours when leaving maidens at Dargaville, but is a promising enough stayer.

Prince Of Wales (No7, R2) has always looked very good and as a 4-year-old this season he should hit his top form. He beat Seven Schillings in a barrier trial at Cambridge earlier this month so he's ready to resume racing after a 10-month break. It's a fairly hot field with Benabar (No2), who was luckless last start, Double Barrel (No1) and Vantastic (No9) among those that can win.

Kahala (No7, R3) showed enough in her winning debut to suggest she has the ability to make a good 3-year-old. She has drawn nicely at No 2 and should be in the fight throughout over 1100m. Bronte Walk (No8) justified her massive support on debut and Monarch (No3) from her rails draw makes appeal.

The Terminator (No5, R4) probably still has a bit to learn, but you had to admire the distain he showed for the opposition when he walked away and won at Tauranga last start. He is a stayer with a real future and is worth supporting here and staying with. Bone Of Contention (No7) and So Pristine (No3) for the multiples.

Scottish Mist (No2, R5) hasn't had all the luck in his last couple and gets a winning chance here. A barrier draw in a couple from where he will start would look more attractive, but it's worth the risk.

The wet track at Riccarton for the $1 million 2000 Guineas did Undisclosed (No1, R6) no favours. Although faced with a couple of promising sorts this afternoon, he will find this race a lot easier. Eight Schillings (No2) and Mygoodgrace (No7) - if she starts here in preference to Race 9 - are real dangers.

Walk Away (No4, R7) struck a problem when well fancied at Tauranga last start and was pulled out of the race. His true form is excellent and he remains a stayer with a future. Rochallen (No3) was racing a fair bit out of his class behind Altered Image in the Coupland's Bakeries Mile and can be forgiven for that effort. Previously his form was very sound.

There are plenty of winning chances in Race 9 and Mygoodgrace (No17) is one of them. She is also in a race earlier, but if she starts here she can be in it at useful odds. Snagglepuss (No4) and First Date (No11) are just two of the other winning hopes.

Most of the stock of Keeper prefer just a little cut in the ground, but The Beekeeper (No4, R10) handled the very, very firm track at Dargaville superbly. In fact, it was her second win on a fast track from as many starts. The ease of her win had to be seen to be believed and she is obviously following on from the terrific 3-year-old form she showed last season. The No 16 barrier at the 1400m is unpalatable, but it will come in to No 13 if the emergencies come out. Hinemoa (No11) and Askmeagain (No9) should be considered from better barriers.

There was no sign late yesterday whether Roger James intended starting Leica Scotch (No12) from his wide gate.

If the stable takes a chance, don't leave him out, he's very smart.