Less than a week out from the Telegraph Handicap and Wanganui trainer Catherine Wilson is yet to decide on a rider for Bulginbaah.
She was hoping to have the services of Trudy Thornton, but she isn't making the trip to Trentham.
Wilson is excited by the prospect of some drought-breaking rainthis week. Loose going will aid Bulginbaah, who will be having his second shot at a Telegraph. He is $51 on fixed odds.
Aussies First Command and Swift Alliance are market favourites at $3.50 and $6 with Katie Lee and Coup Align the best of the Kiwis on $7.
At Awapuni on Saturday, Mr Tipsy soared into Auckland Cup calculations with a strong win in the Marton Cup.
Opie Bosson proved he was over his shoulder injury with a masterful ride on the Sydney Cup placegetter.
He was concerned 600m from home when his mount hit a "flat patch".
"But he picked up and hit the line well. When he's in this mood, he's very hard to beat."
Second was the unpredictable Can't Keeper Down, with He's Under The Gun was a gritty third. Favourite So Pristine was a fair fourth.
Dasoudi showed she was above average with a comfortable win over Jack's Point in the open sprint.
Trainer John Millar is now considering starting her next in the Thorndon Mile on Saturday week.
Tai Chi Queen beat off disappointing favourites The Heckler and King Raedwald to take the rating 90 1200m.
"We had our problems with her feet but she's OK now and is getting better with age," said trainer Mike Breslin.
She's now likely to head south for a fillies/mares race next month.
Stephen Marsh was rapt with Rockburn's crushing win in the rating 70 1200m.
"He got back further than I wanted but he's got a big stride on him. He's a very good horse," said Marsh.
At Ellerslie, former filly of the year Banchee scored her first win in 10 months, albeit in the last bound, while Karaka Million chance Planet Rock overwhelmed her foes in the Karaka Million Countdown (2-y-o).
Runaway jockeys' premiership leader James McDonald had three wins while Michael Coleman and Sam Spratt notched two each.
