David Walsh believes barrier draws will be critical as he seeks to ride 2000 winners at Wingatui today.
"The track was rain-affected there on Boxing Day and it made winning from inside barriers an impossible task," he said.
Walsh rated his 11 rides:
R1, The Pippi Pincher: "Wonin the wet on Boxing Day at Wingatui and handled it well. Her chance to repeat probably depends on how forward her stablemate Julia is."
R2, Monoline: "Just come down from the north. Big horse who couldn't handle the bends on the West Coast tracks. He should be better for that experience. Top chance."
R3, Coup Archie: "He's been disappointing. "
R4, Killigrew: "Racing very genuinely. The 1200m was a bit short last time and will appreciate the step up to 1600m."
R5, Parole: "His efforts have been fantastic. But this is a massive step up in class. '
R6, Nervada: "Good run first up then won at Kumara. This is another step and she'll need to improve."
R7, Coup Bloomsbury: "Was originally going to run in the Telegraph at Trentham. Didn't go ahead with that plan and was too fresh when he ran ninth at Riccarton. If it's suiting the swoopers he might struggle, but if it doesn't he can win."
R8, Borninthestates: "In fabulous form. Michael (Pitman) thought he'd need the run last week and he nearly won. He's really thriving on his racing and he'll give it a shake. It won't matter to him whether it's wet or dry."
R9, Lagerfeld: ' He's got what looks like a bad barrier, but he doesn't mind doing a bit of work in running. Definite chance."
R10, Coup Callum: "A real improver recently and he just bolted in last start at Kurow.
R11, Global Emperor: "He's drawn wide, but that could be an advantage later." Mike Dillon
