Racing: Salvatore may shine at Ellerslie

Salvatore has been narrowly beaten in his last two appearances. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Salvatore hasn't quite been able to get to the winning post first this preparation, but that could all change this afternoon.

The underrated winter sprinter has been narrowly beaten in his last two appearances and was beaten favourite on both occasions.

But both were strong performances and a repeat of each of those runs would just about be good enough to get him the money in race 9 at Ellerslie today. He has a nice barrier draw and the 53.5kg looks comfortable.

If trainer Paul Jenkins decides to back up Nicole Amy's (No2, R1) midweek win she should be keenly respected. She has been re-handicapped to 59kg for that Pukekohe victory, but an apprentice allowance would bring that back to a comfortable level. If she is withdrawn it will make the task that much easier for Taranaki visitor Yeshi Shinko (No3) who is close to a win and for Deverra (No5).

Belle De Jeu (No7, R2) has had two fresh-up runs in her brief career and won them both. She resumes here after a decent break and looked good winning a barrier trial at Te Aroha recently. She is a bit underrated. Lamington Vegas (No8) has impressed in only a handful of race starts and is another who can throw in a big fresh-up run today.

She Rules (No5, R3) comes in fresh and races well that way. She represents good class and is well placed in R90 grade. Volitant (No7) and Miss Raggedy Ann (No3) are capable of being in this finish.

Headsup (No7, R4) justified her heavy support to win at Te Rapa last start and her winning may not be over yet. This is a fairly strong field but with an apprentice allowance again she will be the one to beat. Don Domingo (No6) has done nothing wrong and Mathias (No4) is the type to put the lie to his last start effort, where he tailed the field.

That was no fluke win by Prairie Star(No9, R5) at Te Rapa last start. She is an extremely talented filly and even without an apprentice allowance this time she can make it two on end. Plenty of winning chances here and Haere Mai (No5) is definitely one of them. He has had two runs back from a break and looks to be on the improve. Stepping to the 1600m is a big assist. Hi Flow (No13) and Shantaine (No15) are big chances in a nice field.

The Cornwall Handicap is hardly a field of staying stars and Dancing Chief (No6, R7) gets his chance to shine. There was plenty to like about his 2400m win at Te Rapa two starts back and also his last-start close second to Appleton's Lass on this track last week. Mes Yeux Bleus (No9) and Harvest The Gold (No3) rate highly.

Roi D'Jeu (No6, R8) turned in a nice fourth when resuming at Tauranga last start and comes into a race that looks winable for him. Abterra Chaparral (No2) and Compass Point (No1) are definites for multiple bets.

The last looks very tough, but Gracie Rose (No17, R10) looks on the way to her best form. She didn't get all the luck when beaten favourite at New Plymouth last start. Bindi (No13) and Kiwi Hussler (No1) should be in the finish.