Racing: Waitoki Dream appeals, but watch sky

Waitoki Dream can sneak up on you when he's fresh.

The classy stayer ran the worst race of his summer campaign when he finished out of a place in the Auckland Cup on New Year's Day.

He has been freshened, looking to next week's $100,000 Whakanui Stud International, and that often is the key to him.

If he is on his game he will be simply too good for them in today's $20,000 Skycity Hamilton Cup at Te Rapa. Don't be put off by the 57kg, there is only 3kg down to the lowest weighted horses. His job was made easier when Lordship and Hoopla were scratched yesterday, Lordship to race instead at Awapuni.

Keep an eye on the weather. Rain is forecast in Hamilton for some part of the day and that could have an effect, depending on the level. Remember this day last year? It started out being a firm track and it rained so hard you could not see the Classique field in the back straight.

You pretty much just have to hope it doesn't rain. If it does, you're faced with an entire raceday of firm-track horses racing on a dodgy surface - that's nightmare material. Just when you thought you might have seen enough of the sun and the heat, pray for it for another 24 hours.

Wahid (No1, R6) will be short odds in the $500,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Classique, but they might truly reflect his chances. Trainer Allan Sharrock suspects the crack youngster to soon be looking for further than the 1200m of today's feature, but this race is set up for his type of horse. There will be electric early speed from Kindacross (No2), who appears to have no option from No 11 but to go hard and try and cross the field. With no shortage of speed, the race should suit a horse able to hit the line really hard when the others up front are starting to flag. That's exactly Wahid.

Sydney filly Dower (No10) is an obvious danger. Part owner Colin Tidy rates Dower four lengths off the best of the current Sydney juveniles, but any youngster who can win two metropolitan races has to rate highly in a New Zealand event. Jayeffkay (No3) and Governor Bois (No7) are trifecta hopes.

A wide draw counted heavily against Cape Prince (No9, R1) when he was narrowly beaten by Tobey Maguire at Avondale last start. He has drawn out again, but with slightly better luck he could topple this field. Lunaroso (No11) looked good on debut.

Prickle (No6, R2) comes into this race very nicely. The apprentice allowance Troy Harris claims will be a big help and her recent trackwork has shown that a mid-summer break has done her no harm. She should get the ideal trip from her inside barrier. Aria (No2) was beaten by a good one in Sarah Vee at Avondale last start and her two previous races were won nby Danbird. That is extremely good form for an intermediate class race. Tight Genes (No8) for value.

Captain Butler (No3, R3) is an interesting runner. He showed flashes of real ability before being taken on a Queensland campaign last season and comes in fresh here. He has had a quiet barrier trial and could be great fresh-up value here. Ever After (No4) and River Chief (No1) look the ones he has to beat.

Difficult to chose between Celtic Rose (No3, R4) and Savute (No6) in the 3-year-old race. Trainer John Wheeler believes Celtic Rose beat herself whena close third at Trentham a couple of weeks ago, which suggests she should be slightly mores settled this time. If so, she can definitely win. So can Savute. A few niggling things went wrong for him leading up to the carnival at Ellerslie and he was eventually given a break. He is back with Nigel Tiley, who says the horse is forward to resume. His sole win was on this track.

Surreal (No11, R5) has needed time to strengthen and she has been given it. The Zabeel mare's last two efforts since resuming have been characterised by strong finishes and today she gets the 1600m she looks like she needs.

Highflying (No11, R8) was no threat in the 2400m weight-for-age feature at Trentham last start, but dropping back to her proper grade today she makes appeal. She can hit the line strongly for a mare still on the way up and this looks a nice race for her. Milan (No2) is a danger.

Dropping back in distance is never easy, especially from 2100m to 1600m, but Lanson (No7, R10) might still be able to pull off the last. He can really rattle home and even over 1600m Te Rapa can suit that type. Have an each-way crack at him here and follow him as he steps back up in distance.