6: Yourdeel, Qiji Spirit, Equinox
7: Calligraphy, Sweepstake, Overtheriver
8: Sampson, Hunta Pence, Dolcetto
9: Deerfield,
Jewel Of Patch, Euka Lady
Best Bet: Rock On Wood (R2)
The predicted rain toward the end of this week has brought a smile to the face of Pukekohe trainer Nigel Tiley.
The South Auckland horseman travels south to Palmerston North with juvenile Qiji Spirit to line-up in Saturday's Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni and he believes his charge will appreciate the wet track conditions.
"He worked really well this morning," Tiley said on Tuesday.
"The weather forecast is for a bit of rain down that way, which I think would really help him and the 1400m will be right up his alley.
"There are only 12 left in the race, so I would be silly not to go down."
Tiley is buoyed by the return to Awapuni on Saturday, with his Charm Spirit gelding finishing runner-up to The Fugitive on the Palmerston North track on debut in December.
"I thought his first start was outstanding, he made up some really good ground late," Tiley said.
"I am confident that he will run a good race. He has got three-year-old written all over him.
"When you have got a nice horse like him that you know has raced well at the track before, and there's only so many Group One races for two-year-olds, I only think it's fair that we have a crack at it with him."
While Tiley believes Qiji Spirit will develop into a better three-year-old, he said he is eyeing a tilt at the Listed Buffalo & Co Champagne Stakes (1600m) with Qiji Spirit if he pulls up well after on Saturday.
"If he comes through it in one piece I'd probably have a look at a race like the Champagne Stakes with him at Ellerslie," Tiley said.
"1600m on a big roomy track I think would really suit him. Then we would probably give him a little break and bring him back for the spring."
Tiley will head into tomorrow in good form after having an outstanding day at Avondale last Friday, winning three races on the seven race card. – NZ Racing Desk
