Racing: M&M chase Ellerslie glory

There is at least some negative residue when a horse has been racing below its best form during a campaign, but it might pay to discard that with Magnetism in the Great Northern Challenge Stakes at Ellerslie today.

This preparation Magnetism has failed to recapture the form that electrified his 3-year-old racing.

But his last-start second to Millennium at weight-for-age at Tauranga signalled something was about to happen - Magnetism almost certainly should have beaten Millennium.

For the first part of the home straight at Tauranga, Magnetism was hooked up behind the pacemaking Millennium, got clear late and dashed up to be beaten by a long head.

Connections believe he has at least maintained that level of form and perhaps has improved. The showers around would only assist Magnetism's cause.

Couple up the three favourites Magnetism, Sedecrem and Millennium and for a bit of value include Bridie Belle.

The Breeders Stakes should see Rosetti Bay (No11, R10) go close to returning to winning form. She has found recent footing too firm for her preference and should get more comfort, particularly if the predicted overnight showers eventuated.

Rosetti Bay is a tough, strong finisher when conditions suit and this is hardly a classic Breeders Stakes line-up. She gets the nod ahead of Viennetta (No15), Madamvizelle (No14) and Miss Ivy (No3).

The odds on Black Panther (No1, R9) will not be flash, but he looks to have the experience and class to go close to lifting the $20,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Stakes.

Trainer Richard Yuill wanted Black Panther ridden from the tail of the field at Tauranga last start and, despite the 3-year-old being held up for racing room in the closing stages, is certain it was the right course of action. The same will apply this time and all he needs is a change of luck late in the race.

The emerging talent in the field makes it extremely difficult to nab the trifecta with confidence. Congaline (No5), Laughing Stick (No8) and Tom Tom Cat (No4) are just some of the chances and if Black Panther is at reasonable odds, the win bet might be the safest option.

Pentane (No3, R2) and Daddy Knows Best (No2) are smart emerging horses and stand out early in the programme. Pentane looked good dashing home to beat all but Belle Mia at Te Rapa last start and Daddy Knows Best displayed tremendous promise from a handful of starts last season.

There is probably little between this pair. Pentane will probably start favourite and, if so, take the better odds on Daddy Knows Best.

Kingsinga (No10, R3) looks very smart, but he has a couple of things against him here. A wide barrier draw for a start, then the fact that as a 3-year-old he is getting almost no weight from an older, tougher horse in Kincert (No1).

Under weight-for-age conditions he would be getting something like 4kg to 5kg from Kincert and gets only 1kg in this handicap. The combination of those two factors could swing it in Kincert's favour. If Kingsinga overcomes the factors, stay with him, he'll be smart. Restitution (No3) showed promise last start.

The Silence Sir (No3, R4) looked good getting home strongly into second at Te Rapa last week when on debut. The only query is backing up in six days after debut, but Neville Couchman clearly thinks the gelding has recovered well. Young Centaur (No8) has not raced since his impressive debut second in early September. He hit the line well in that and should not be in maidens for too long.

Eloa (No3, R5) has drawn awkwardly enough at No 12 at the 1200m barrier to make you a little concerned, but she represents such good class at best that she has to be in the ratings in this race. Her second in a fast-run race when resuming at Te Rapa was useful.

Aria (No2) was similarly impressive in her first appearance for the season, being run down late by Prickle at Avondale. She has plenty of speed and like Eloa is an Ellerslie winner.

There is a bit of ability in this race, even if some of it has been formless lately. St Verdi (No12) is well up in grade, but he showed in the way he won his first-up race on this track that he will measure up to better company.

Joe's Cook (No1, R6) is dropping down two grades from his most recent outing in the Dargaville Cup, but he still won't find it easy from an outside barrier with 58kg. If he gets the right sort of passage he can win.

Ornate (No2) is another coming back in grade, and she should be improved for her first two starts this preparation. She has won both her races over this distance at Ellerslie.

For a mare 58.5kg is a lot of weight, particularly off a 53kg minimum. But Sideto Emdeca (No1, R7) has plenty of ability, is in winning form and has shown a liking for Ellerslie. The dangers are Mac Five (No8), who is showing promise as an emerging stayer and Art Link (No 6), who will appreciate any easing in the ground.

Focal Point (No2, R11) showed real promise from only a handful of starts last season. She should be greatly improved for her first-up sixth on Melbourne Cup day and comes into a very suitable race for her. What beats her should win. Avaroadi (No4) is in top form.