Racing: Regal Flame faces stern test

There's no mystery that the last juvenile stakes race is sometimes the hardest form race of the season.

It's not always the case, but often it is.

This time it's the latter again.

Yes, Regal Flame looks the likely favourite after runaway Riccarton and Otaki wins, but there is an abundance of emerging talent trying to prevent him scoring a hat-trick.

One of them is Awapuni filly Surf Patrol. She looked good winning easily at New Plymouth in mid-June and even better running way from the opposition to score by four lengths on her home track last start.

Surf Patrol has drawn out at No 12, but that might be more of an advantage than a disadvantage. She has raced in front and off the speed and sitting off the inside rail might be the place to be.

Spirit Of Unicorn comes in a little on the fresh side and that's going to suit.