3 minute read

Bevan Sweeney: Best At New Plymouth On Thursday Night

Race 1 
5 Investigate

Lightly raced Dundeel 3yo who across his last three starts has shown some reasonable staying ability. He looks to be hitting the right race for his step up to 2000m from the right draw with a positive rider aboard. With the rail out ten metres he should position up in the first half dozen and from there his breeding suggests he will run the trip out strongly. 
Selections: 5-7-9-6 

Race 2 
3 Stout

This looks like a race that should be dominated by the locals, and they have a fantastic record here at home in recent times. Again, with the rail out this horse is drawn perfectly with natural early speed to dominate from a forward position and back to the 1200m with a freshen up looks ideal. 
Selections: 3-9-10-4 

Race 3 
1 Andersons Bay

He looked a lovely big type at his debut at Otaki and he looked like a horse who would improve with the run and as he progresses over further ground. His draw is a niggle as he is sure to get back in the run, but it doesn't look like an overly strong race, and he should be able to make a sustained run from the 600m. He may eventually be a jumper that you can really keep an eye on early in the season. 
Selections: 1-7-5-2 

Race 4 
2 Bridal Train

This is the race that you should study thoroughly in post assessment as I believe that there will be plenty of winners to be found. The Sharrock runner was brilliant with the Blinkers On first time at Whanganui and was unlucky not to back that up at Otaki. She will be ridden positivity from a good draw and looks better suited to the 1400m than her main rival in Its Doris. It's Doris is heading south for some decent races shortly so expect her to be hitting the line hard late at the 1400m. 
Selections: 2-3-1-4 

Race 5 
3 The Chopper

He was terrible at Trentham but he had run his race before the jump for unknown reasons. He was dominant here at New Plymouth in his previous start and with a senior back aboard I would expect a much better effort. This is a soft race and I'm convinced he has better than 65 ability and I will be backing him as one for the better investments on the day. 
Selections: 3-6-7-2 

Race 6 
1 Herbert

He has become an increasingly frustrating horse with his manners late in his races. However, I really thought he was a run short at Trentham and comes back in grade here today. He steps up to 1600m which has always looked to me to be somewhat of a sweet spot for him. This is the first race day of riding for Elle Sole and I know legendary trainer John Wheeler will be trying his best to get her off to a positive start. She may be a winner on Day 1 with this fellow. 
Selections: 1-2-4-10 

Race 7 
1 Xrated

Her last two performances have suggested that she will win one at short notice. She has hit the line strongly in both of those at both 1600m and 2100m. She has had over six weeks between runs so the step back to 1600m should be of no real concern. Keep a close eye on the market on the Patterson runner on debut. 
Selections: 1-10-9-8 

Race 8 
7 Bow Hill

She has always been held in high regard by her trainer and it was great to see her get back in some form at her most recent effort. She is a winner at home, and some of her early performances suggested she was destined for a much higher grade. If she recovers her best, she will be winning today. 
Selections: 7-3-1-8 

Best: 3 The Chopper (Race 5) and 5 Investigate (Race 1)
Value: 10 Tokyo Hot Night (Race 2)