Racing: Megablast can top up the bank

Amanood Lad (left) has 71kg topweight in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup at Ellerslie today. Photo / Trish Dunell

A puggy heavy 11 will make Ellerslie a difficult punting medium this afternoon.

But Megablast early in the programme might be able to give us a bank to play with.

Megablast (Race 4) has a few worrying factors around him, but Nigel Tiley knows how to get his horses ready to go close even after a short break. The 60kg is not attractive, but the grey stayer has plenty of ability and should go close. Platinum Command could be the quinella result.

Only a small field in Race 3, but it's a very interesting betting proposition. Myrcella (No5) was narrowly beaten last time, but should go close here. Solmization (No2) has been beaten on decent tracks lately, but gets his favourite heavy stuff here. Couple them up with Kensington (No3) in the multiples.

The Shackler (No4, R6) is not at great odds in the major hurdle race, but he has been so impressive winning his last three that he looks a good prospect, despite the depth of this line-up. Raisafuasho (No3) is a dour type who gets out of his ground early, but that's the type who should be difficult to beat today. Monarch Chimes (No8) is a real chance in a good field.

Suggest a quinella result in a difficult field, the maiden steeplechase, Race 5. Mendoza (No2) seems to be able to find a way to get beaten, but after seven steeplechase seconds he's got to eventually get one. This could be it. Ngairo (No9) is making his steeples debut, but being one of the Kevin Myers team he will have been well schooled. If you want another runner Max (No1) is probably it.

Five weeks between races probably puts a question mark over Wise Men Say (No2, R8) in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup, but he is the most progressive horse in the field.

He's no good thing and will strip fitter for the Great Northern in two weeks, but he is impossible to leave out.

Amanood Lad (No1) is a stayer of enormous depth, but the question is whether that will be sufficient to get him over the line with 71kg topweight. That is a huge ask. Ngatira Gold (No4) is the emerging type.

The last is a tricky race and absolute fitness will be required. The Kipling Girl (No2) and Bunbury Lad (No1) are the types that are probably best suited.

At New Plymouth, Wooden Edge (No5, R5) and Our Bandit (No11) are strong chances in the big race. The slight weight advantage to Wooden Edge may give him an angle, but his rival is very game.

At Rosehill in Sydney, Pariah (No1, R7) looks the best of the day. He looked terrific as a juvenile last season and the only unplaced run was on an unsuitable wet track in the Golden Slipper. He has trialled well for his resuming run here and patient rider Blake Shinn will suit him.

In Race 3, Skylight Glow (No4) and Marsupial (No11) could be a likely quinella result. Hugh Bowman and Glyn Schofield add their class to the pair.

Bonny O'Reilly (No1, R9) has a tough job with 59.5kg in the last but Bjorn Baker is confident of a real showing. No Doubt (No4) is a good each-way prospect.

Limestone (No3, R3) looks a solid bet at Moonee Valley. Take it in a quinella with Tulip (No1). Duke Of Brunswick (No4, R8) is another good each-way.