Leg One: In an open race give a slight edge to Princessabeel with Dicky Lui's 3kg weight relief, the only apprentice allowance among the leading fancies. Her recent form is on wet ground but she quit maidens on a dead surface and there are more question marks than positives hanging over the opposition. Though racing out of his grade, course placegetter Red Ric also won't mind the firmer track. He had no luck last time out at Tauranga behind the smart Dreamcatcher. Course performer El Gitano also has to be included in this calibre of field.
Leg Two: The well-drawn Apache Sky should be tough to beat in his first appearance since failing at Tauranga last March. The on-speed runner ran some boomers in earlier campaigns, including a second to Fireside and, more recently, thirds to Magic Potion and Go Eureka. Promising trial performer Sequin has an awkward gate to overcome but she looked good winning a 1050m heat at Pukekohe on July 5. Hastings visitor Lawrence Of Arabia is another must-include with Hayden Tinsley aboard.
Leg Three: Rory Hutchings' 3kg claim makes Caratacus close to an anchor on his preferred dead surface. He hit winning form this time last year and looked on the verge of a repeat when making good ground late over 1600m at Te Rapa on August 13. He's also a past performer at Rotorua having run third to Roi d'jeu in October last year. If you can afford a back-up, inform topweight Pinnafero is a past course and distance winner.
Leg Four: Colheita's formline is misleading - she's another potential anchor if the breaks go her way. She's had rotten luck in all four raceday runs so far after impressive trials form. Three starts back, she was a close course and distance second after being trapped wide for most of the trip.
Leg Five: Savabeel Star lacked a little strength in earlier campaigns but should be ready for this lot after two warm-ups over shorter trips. Her many placings include a middle-distance second on this course to Roi d'jeu. She's also one of the few who will gallop well on a firmer surface and receives a 3kg claim from Rory Hutchings to boot. Back-up hopes include Brazilian Storm, Kati Cat and last-start Taupo winner Ballynova.
Leg Six: Miss Evita will be a short-priced favourite to make an overdue breakthrough but this is her first Rotorua appearance and first attempt past 1600m. Spread the risk if you can with Golan mare On Our Way. She got into an awkward spot near the rear last time out at Tauranga over 1600m and was left flat-footed when the leaders sprinted on the corner.
