Racing: Late Te Rapa runner worth waiting for

You can only hope the track dries out from yesterday's soaking.

The positive to that line is if you had to back one track in the country to do that, it would be Te Rapa.

And you hope the connections of many of the leading hopes take the option to leave their horses in place for the meeting.

You have to wait until late for one of the best Te Rapa chances, Lord Carson in the last.

This bloke has always looked the goods, but a few issues kept him winless for a good while. Now that he has broken through he should whip through a few classes pretty quickly. He almost certainly should have won the special conditions race that he was narrowly beaten in on this track last start. There are a couple of smart types in Roman Ruler and Desert Lad engaged, but with an even break Lord Carson will go close.

After her remarkable debut fourth at Matamata, Dating (No1, R1) surprised most by paying $7.20 when she won at Pukekohe last start.

She had a bit to spare too and it won't surprise if she prevails again. Sworn To Secrecy (No7) and Trapiche (No2) are musts for multiple bettors.

Black And White (No2, R3) made a bit of an impression in winning a barrier trial and his debut run here will be watched with interest.

Unless the conditions bring him undone he should be difficult to contain. Barrier trials suggest Zankura (No5) will handle the conditions on debut and another first-timer, the High Chaparral youngster Mackadoo (No4) looks primed to make a bit of a splash.

She Rules (No5, R3) let us down last week, but she threw out the hint with that effort that she may have needed that one run following a break. Michael Coleman rides this time and with Te Rapa course stats of two wins from three starts she is worth another look. Pinzee (No3) keeps doing it and for a seven-win horse she comes in well here on 53kg with Maija Vance's 2kg claim. Krash (No7) and Latika (No8) are great trifecta chances.

There is no reason why Appleton's Lass (No7, R5) cannot make it back to back wins. This is no stronger than the field she beat at Ellerslie last time out and she appears to be thriving on racing and loving the wet tracks. She comes in nicely with just 1.5kg above the minimum. The surprise could be Montjee (No9) who is not a bad mudder and one who should be improved by his recent first-up effort. He is worth following from this point.

Race 6 is very confusing. Colombian Beauty (No12, R6) was perhaps a little disappointing when only fourth when well backed at Ellerslie last start, but this looks an easier option for her. The 1kg weight reduction is another assist. High Drama (No3) likes slow tracks and will appreciate a 2kg apprentice claim.

Prairie Star (No7, R7) was beaten out of a place at Ellerslie last start, but it was a solid effort. She was only one length from the winner in fourth place and will drop 2.5kg this time through being ridden by Alvin Ng. That combination impressively won on this track two starts back. Solidarity (No2) will be very fit for having raced at Ellerslie on Monday. His second there was sound.

Race 8 will be significantly tougher than the Avondale maiden Ebony and Ivory (No4) won last start, but the Zabeel mare did it so well she has to be respected again.

Go The Hombre in the Queensland Derby. Hastings trainer John Bary flagged away some exciting mid-season money to have the 3-year-old primed for this A$500,000 race and he deserves to go close.

The Hombre has done well and with fine weather will be the one to beat.