Each way betting could be the best approach at Te Rapa today and High Class later in the card looks the perfect vehicle.
Two years ago High Class made a stunning winning debut at Avondale, coming from last to race away by a wide margin. Although she has shown flashesof form, she has not shown quite the same dash in her races and it's taken two seasons to come to her best again.
She looks very solid now and with a 23212 formline she shows she puts in each time. From a decent barrier she makes a lot of appeal in Race 7 this afternoon.
The track was still rated a slow 8 yesterday, but it's difficult to believe there will not be at least a minor upgrade by the start of racing today. That will suit Volpe Veloce (No7, R5) in her resuming run as she heads to group 1 racing at Hastings in four weeks. Yes, she will improve with this race, but top class horses can win when only 90 per cent fit. It will be surprising if she is beaten. To put some slight value into the multiple bets Ronchi (No2) can run a race. He has been difficult to follow, but goes well when fresh.
Difficult to see much value in Race 1 with the two at the top of the handicap, Socially Excited (No1) and Malambo (No2) looking clearly ahead of their less experienced rivals. Little between these two with the nod going to Malambo after her game second here to Getty last meeting.
Bee Tee Junior (No4, R2) looks one of the better prospects all day.
His second to Jochen Rindt here last start was a sound run and he looks well capable of taking this. Any upgrade of the footing will help him. Dubai Shuffle (No3) doesn't win out of turn, but is one of the better prospects.
You can make a case for each of the runners in Race 3. Wolff Spirit (No9) showed something of her best last start at Ruakaka. On 54kg she could go one better here. Zorrali (No1) gets 3kg off his 60.5kg, which will help enormously. The wetter the ground the better.
Alvins Dream (No2, R4) made an impression with a winning debut on this track. It's difficult to win the first two career starts, but he would have learned plenty from that first victory and once again he has Troy Harris to help him. He had drawn perfectly at No5. Look to Morweka (No6) to be improved from the first-up fifth.
Race 6 is almost certainly the toughest to sort out on the programme.
Avant (No 9) has the right form, but has drawn an outside gate.
She comes in with scratchings and the Te Rapa 1600m start allows a long run down the back straight to get sorted from out deep. Capital (No4), Karaka Red (No5) and Currahee Lad (No3) are among the long list of dangers.
Bella Blue (No4, R8) has been in solid form and will be thoroughly fit to see out a tough contest. She gets to the line strongly and should get the run of the race. Master Poet (No5) is close to another win and former English mare Cosmic Storm (No6) gets up to a distance which should suit better.