Racing: Vonusti looks very likely after unlucky run

Yanna Marie (No 7) saves some of her best efforts for Trentham. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

Vonusti is the unluckiest runner we've seen in the north in the last month and he rates as an excellent bet at Ellerslie this afternoon.

The smart Cambridge galloper was the beaten $2.80 favourite when second to Jacowils at Ellerslie four weeks ago.

He was brought undone when rider Noel Harris had to give him a kick early to avoid even more trouble when a horse drawn outside him drove straight into his girth after 50m, an act for which the apprentice jockey received a stiff suspension.

What actually beat Vonusti that day was overracing after Harris gave him a kick to clear problems. It left him with little late gas.

From the No 4 gate he looks well placed today in Race 6, particularly as trainer Roger James last night indicated one of the main dangers, La Etoile, was more likely to run in Race 3. The 2kg and 3kg pull in the weights he has from Striker and Wahid might prove crucial.

If the odds are restricted on Green Cash (No1, R1) in the opener, each way on Posh Bec (No4) might be the way to go. Green Cash looks the goods and is going to be difficult to contain, but the filly is smart and got left vulnerable in front when caught in the last bound in the 1400m Soliloquy Stakes at Ellerslie last start. Both have drawn beautifully.

Unraced juveniles are a nightmare to punt on, but from the ace draw Ice Pin (No4, R2) looks nicely situated after an impressive barrier trial victory.

It should be a good contest between the two at the top of the handicap in Race 3, La Etoile (No2) and Benedict (No1).

If the footing is as good as we suspect it is going to be La Etoile should be very difficult to beat. She battled a slow track and did well to finish fourth under 58kg when resuming last start and has taken the expected improvement out of that race. Benedict looked no less impressive getting home well for third to underrated southerner El Santo when he resumed at Hastings. Glamorous Girl (No7) is the improver.

Race 4, the 1600m maiden, is a bit of a nightmare - luck will play a massive part in the result - but each way on Road To Rio (No9) wouldn't go astray. She looked stiff not to quit maidens a couple of times last preparation and the fact the track is drying all the time should bring her right into this. Broadway Miss (No10) is not far off a win.

A stack of variables makes Race 5 very tough. The 3kg Ethan Dalley claims brings topweight Miss Raggedy Ann (No1) right into the race, but the wide gate is a bit frightening. The track is drying, but is it drying quickly enough for Donthasselme (No10), one of last season's standout juveniles resuming. If you angle your multiples around the pair you shouldn't go too wrong, although there is plenty of upset scope in this race. Possibly less doubt about Miss Raggedy Ann in the conditions than Donthasselme.

Montjee (No2, R8) is going to start favourite, but the drying track is not going to suit him so well and he may not be value.

The Mooseisloose (No3) was impressive winning on $30,000 day at Counties and could be a better way to go.

Bakup (No6, R10) hit the line in third place at Hastings last start like a horse that would win his next one.

He jumps from 2100m that day to 2400m here and that is probably the key. He looks an each-way special. Maythehorsebemagic (No7) is better than his recent form suggests.

Trentham this afternoon will be a tough slog.

John Wheeler says he's not worried about the heavy track for Keyora (No1, R6) in the Wellington Guineas and you have to respect that, but it's still a worry. Descarado (No2) was beaten last start at Riccarton, but a better indication here is his two previous wins. He handles wet tracks and could be the one.

Big River (No1, R2) is going to be at odds-on in the $45,000 Wellesley Stakes after his debut win, but if he has trouble with the heavy footing another debut winner Elle Tresor (No5) might prove troublesome.

There was a lot to like about her win at Ruakaka and there is a suggestion she might handle bad ground very well.

Her stablemate Keeperinthemyst (No7, R8) is another trying to knock over the guns, O'ceirins Angel (No1) and Yanna Marie (No2).

She is a rapidly improving mare and shouldn't be taken lightly against her better performed rivals today.

Yanna Marie's latest efforts have looked a shade below her best, but don't underrate her, she saves some of her best efforts for Trentham.