Vonusti has won at Tauranga and can handle wet
tracks. Photo / Christine Cornege
There are natural disincentives against both the favourites, Pasta Post and Cent Per Cent, in tomorrow's $100,000 Windsor Park Stud Japan Trophy at Tauranga.
Both are running after a seven-day back-up after lengthy breaks from racing. But, unusually, that is probably not going to be the deciding factor in this
case.
The determining factor will be rain, which is forecast for tomorrow. That should end the hopes of Pasta Post and promote the chances of Cent Per Cent.
Both horses have fine second-up records. Pasta Post has won both his second-up career races and is similarly unbeaten in his three attempts at tomorrow's 1600m distance.
Cent Per Cent has had five career second-up runs for two wins and a minor placing.
Cent Per Cent's 1400m resuming win at Te Rapa last week was as brave, but not the surprise his $12 dividend suggested.
It was a tough win in which he got to the line strongly but it wasn't a gut-buster. He loves rain-affected footing and looks a strong chance again.
Vonusti won't find it easy with 59kg topweight, but he is a previous winner at Tauranga, which can be a horses-for-courses track.
He had every chance when beaten into third at Ellerslie last start behind Alegrio, whom he meets 1.5kg better off in the weights this time.
For all that, Alegrio looked to have a bit in hand that day and rates highly again.
So, too, do Her Royal Highness, Agamemnon and Fashion Rocks.
It's worth noting that Heza Karma Karzi is unbeaten in three visits to Tauranga.
