Racing: Tavis Star one to beat at Te Rapa

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There are still those recovering from broken legs rushing to the tote to collect off Tavis Star seconds before he was beaten in the last bound at Avondale last start.

The promising young Tavistock maiden had his race well and truly won.

Yes, the inexperienced rider may have been slightly to blame, but only very slightly.

Never knock a 4kg claimer for minor issues because that's why you get the 4kg off their back. The youngster did very little wrong other than perhaps going a touch too quick in the middle stages.

But the real issue was that with anyone other than premiership-chasing Matt Cameron on the second horse six lengths behind at the 200m, Tavis Star would have won, in which case it would have been a great ride.

As he often does, Cameron refused to give up and his efforts were rewarded.

Tavis Star goes for his reward at Te Rapa today and provided the inside rail is not "off" late in the day (Race 8) his speed should get him home.

Brad Thorn (No4, R4) is another who deserves reward. Things didn't go entirely to plan last start when he was taken on in front then outfinished by a very tough Pump Up The Volume.

This is a nice race for him and Shaun McKay's 1kg allowance could well make the difference.

Playboy Prince (No5, R2) is fast and game in a tough fight. His consistent form deserves a big tick for this race and he should be very competitive.

Rocknrolla (No6) showed her real form when winning at Ruakaka last start. She is able to handle worse tracks than she struck at Ruakaka and should find the conditions suitable today. Could be the quinella.

Infinite Choice (No2, R1) looked good making ground into third on debut last start and should have benefited from that experience.

An inside barrier helped Cortado (No6) at Ellerslie last start and this time she has to contend with the outside gate.

That makes it difficult, but the filly has a bit of class and she should not be ignored.

Majestic Champion (No1) didn't finish off quite as well as many though when resuming last start, but it's likely he is improved. In a tricky race, Wonder Woman (No7) won on debut at Avondale and Mongolian Legend (No4) and Impulsive Habit (No3) are barrier trial winners.

Small field in Race 3 and it's also tough. Ohope Prince (No3) has a good record at Te Rapa and although the weight is difficult, he is game. Guevara (No2) found the firmish Ruakaka track last start and today's conditions may suit better to get him into the frame at decent odds for multiples. Silhouette Noire (No4) found last week's conditions too testing.

Quantrille (No12, R5) has got home strongly in two starts this preparation and should be close to breaking through the maiden barrier. Any Glory (No14) looked good winning at the Avondale barrier trials and could make a big debut here.

Three consecutive seconds suggests, yes, Suggestions (No10, R6) leaving maidens. It's only a matter of time.

Bugle Call (No4, R10), came strongly to be beaten a nose into second on this track last start and his turn is coming. This should be it.