Racing: Risky bet could pay off in opener

Marky Mark is sure to be in the mix in race six at Ellerslie on Friday. Photo / Greg Bowker.

Interesting and even fields at Ellerslie on Friday and each-way value could be the desirable play on the punt.

Take race 1, a maiden 1200m. We would suggest a bit of a look at No.18 Captain Risky, a first starter from the Mike Moroney/Pam Gerrard stable. His second at the Avondale barrier trials was an eye-catcher and he clearly has a level of ability. He was originally fourth emergency, but regained the field yesterday. Stable rep Jake Bayliss will ride him.

Sunrise Ruby (No.13) looked very promising last preparation and can run well while fresh. Not Usual Heart (No12) comes in after a break. She wilted to fifth after leading on debut, but that was a group race and won by Prom Queen.

Race 2, for the juveniles, has only six acceptors, but it's a very interesting contest. These races are never easy, but we liked the trial-winning performance of Spanish Whisper (No.4) and will be surprised if she is not competitive.

Imelda Mary (No.2) was beaten at Trentham last start, but looked good when placed on debut. Peaceful (No.3) was stylish at the trials before being beaten at Trentham on debut. Probably pay to ignore that.

Felaar (No.2, R3) has been right around the money in two starts this preparation and this looks the right type of race to provide that win.

Treasure (No.16) made good ground for Australian jockey Jamie Kah to come from last to fifth on debut a couple of weeks ago. Going up to 1600m should suit ideally.

Top Actress (No.12) and Vaudesir (No.10) are musts for multiples. Eileen Grace (No.6, R4) has looked very smart in only a handful of starts and looks well placed to continue that. She is very strong late in her races. Bombard (No8) can improve on his last effort and Elusive Empire (No.5) is right in contention.

You can make a winning case for three or four in Race 5.

Selfie (No.2) is definitely one of them and after his good third at Te Rapa last time he would be a popular winner. Jason Waddell replaces a suspended Alysha Collett.

If Mr Knowitall (No.4) could leave the barriers in the first half of the field he would be very dangerous here. Unfortunately he rarely does. He ran an almost identical last 600m time to the stylish winner Ferrando at Te Rapa last time, but Ferrando was in front at the 600m and Mr Knowitall at the tail of the field. A 3kg allowance this time will help him.

Resurrect (No.6) will be very dangerous.

Rising Shot (No.7, R6) looks a good chance to regain her best form. Her recent beaten performances have been in Group races. She drops back significantly here and additionally claims a 3kg allowance through Jasmine Fausett. The southern form of Grazia (No.3) puts her in contention for some of the stake and Marky Mark (No.4) looks good for a spot in the trifecta frame.

Howbowdat (No.1, R7) has turned in a couple of excellent efforts lately without winning one. With any luck at all he would have been winning one or two and if things go his way here he can score. Belle Fascino (No.2) has the right form, the right barrier and the right rider to be very dangerous. Pinnacle (No.5) looked to have potential when leaving maidens.

The last is very difficult. Artiste (No.11, R8) looks to be heading in the right direction and from a lovely draw Jason Waddell should be able to give her a lovely passage.