Lance O'Sullivan has potentially his two best horses at Te Rapa's low-key meeting today.
Temple Hills and Pentane look capable of scaling the highest racing peaks and anchoring the pair in a three-way all-up with one other of your fancies on the card might not be a silly move.
Temple
Hills (No 7, R4) is the real deal. He won by only a long head at Avondale last start, but you got the impression he was doing only enough to win and that if push had been shove he would have found a fair bit more.
The green but massively talented 4-year-old faces the toughest field he has met, but in terms of potential he will one day clearly outstrip them all.
O'Sullivan had Derby aspirations for Pentane (No11, R8) before things went astray last season. His two starts this preparation have highlighted the outstanding potential, particularly his winning run at Ellerslie three weeks ago when he did not find galloping room until late and fairly flew the last part to get punters home.
There is no questioning Pentane's staying potential, but there is a taint of concern in his first start beyond 1600m - a tough race for any horse.
It might pay to put that out of your mind and instead put your trust and your dollars in his enormous talent.
Race 3 is a terrific maiden field and there might be some value in Zergar (No6). He was close up fourth at Tauranga two starts back, but that effort was down slightly on his flash finish for third at Te Awamutu the time before.
Last time he tackled some of the best 3-year-olds behind Black Panther and although he dropped away late, he did not enjoy the best of runs.
It's interesting that the Te Awamutu run was on soft footing - if the predicted rain has an effect on the track Zergar might be getting over them late.
In a great line-up Calmbee (No13), Humdinger (No4) and Penultimate Flight (No12) have genuine claims.
He Can Tango (No8, R5) went a strange race for fifth in his second career start at Ellerslie last time. Before that he looked talented on debut when beaten only half a head over 1400m at Avondale.
A repeat of that effort would take him close this time. Winsome Kash (No15) went just okay at Avondale last start when heavily backed, but she is better than that.
She is trained left-handed and back to racing in that direction might see some improvement.
Pretorius (No5, R7) could not have been more dashing winning his races at Otaki and Avondale.
The former Australian-trained stayer is heading for the $200,000 City of Auckland Cup and with 54kg and a nice barrier draw he is magnificently placed to go into the Ellerslie feature with another win here.
Viz Vitae (No4) might be the problem. He is a high class stayer who failed completely to find anything like his best form during a Melbourne spring campaign.
He has had a brief break since returning to New Zealand and trainer Murray Baker is happy with the way he is presenting the horse into this race.
If he races up to his best, Viz Vitae can win. Willy Smith (No9) for the trifecta.
Coup Christchurch (No5, R9) appeared to have every chance when he resumed from a break at Avondale last start, but the 1200m was probably a shade sharp for him and he may have just needed that one to tighten up.
He steps up to 1400m here and you should see something a lot better. Sanitee (No6) might start favourite.
At Manawatu, the $30,000 Rich Hill Stud 3YO presents a nice betting race. Tatlock (No5, R5) would have beaten Abbey Drive at Te Rapa last week if Lisa Cropp had been able to poke him through a narrow rails gap a few strides earlier.
He was beaten only a short neck and being extended for only the last bit of the race should have left him with a bit in reserve for this week.
Cropp has stayed with him.
The No 2 barrier draw must have looked like a pile of gold to the connections of Pentazia (No3, R6).
Her wide barrier cost her dearly at Te Rapa last week and her fourth in the circumstances was a good effort.
She gets her chance this time.
Lilakyn (No1, R7) was so impressive winning the Wanganui Cup that she looks the shot again in the Manawatu Cup despite her 57kg topweight. Northerners Kajema (No4), Sideto Emdeca (No11) and Mistrale (No 12) are all possible threats.
The ever-brave Kristov (No2, R9) gets his favourite 1400m distance and needs only a firm track to produce yet another top class performance.
Kristov will be in front at some part of the home straight and the question will be whether Cog Hill (No3) can pick him up late.
Kristov and Michael Walker are worth the risk.
Lance O'Sullivan has potentially his two best horses at Te Rapa's low-key meeting today.
Temple Hills and Pentane look capable of scaling the highest racing peaks and anchoring the pair in a three-way all-up with one other of your fancies on the card might not be a silly move.
Temple
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