Racing: Track conditions key to Rotorua feature races

The $250,000 Couplands Bakeries Mile is the reason Devoted will once again go around on a heavy track at Rotorua tomorrow.

Trainer Jim Gibbs would love to see Devoted over the line first to reassure himself about a start in the big metric mile at Riccarton next month.

Devoted was severely hampered by a deteriorating track when he resumed on his home track at Matamata two weeks ago.

He still managed to hold onto the lead until a much fitter Baltaine edged past in the last 50m, going under by a short head.

It looked to be a tough assignment, but Gibbs said Devoted has thrived.

"He's come through that race very well and I couldn't be happier with him."

Gibbs would have loved to see a surface close to firm, but says he is committed to running.

"If he doesn't run he probably won't be considered for the Couplands race."

Devoted faces tough, in-form winter sprinters in I Rock My World and Go Thenaki, both of whom are capable of making it a real battle in testing conditions.

Tadan, heading down the same path, was hugely impressive recording a fast time over this distance when he resumed from a break at Hastings last start. He sat in the open and sprinted away. That was on firm ground and with no wet-track form he might find this a little different.

I Rock My World proved his doubters wrong over his ability to manage 1600m at Ellerslie last week. He stuck to his job and will be even better suited by his pet 1400m journey here.

He has yet to be tried at Rotorua, sometimes a slight concern, but is guaranteed to manage the conditions regardless of how wet it gets.

A serious upgrade in track conditions would suit the likes of Crepe De Chine in the $50,000 Lion Red Plate, a group three weight-for-age over 1200m.

She has far too much speed to plough through the mud, but if there is something like decent footing, , she will really fly around Rotorua with just 48.5kg on her back.

The same applies to fellow fillies Boudi Woudi and Missy Elliot.

Missy Elliot showed last season she can handle rain-affected tracks.

The older horses Baltaine, Millennium and Run Like The Wind are in the mix.

Run Like The Wind benefited from Buddy Lammas' apprentice allowance last start. It took him down to 51.75kg in an open handicap and he won as he liked. Carrying 57kg at weight-for-age is an entirely different matter, but he is a big strong type and will give it a decent crack.

If talent and consistency are important Haylee Baylee will take the $50,000 First Sovereign Trust Rotorua Plate.

You had to admire the grit Haylee Baylee produced in a close finish when narrowly beaten in the Matamata Cup last start.

But as hard as she tried, Partee would not let her past and she was still a short neck from the winner's cheque.

Our Kitty had no luck in the same race and was finishing fast in sixth. Ben Sparta and Star O' The Ball are top chances. Ben Sparta will definitely find this easier than the Kelt Capital last start and will appreciate the wetter conditions.