PILATES (8) was an impressive triallist prior to finishing third when making her debut at Tauranga as an odds-on favourite. She did not know much about racing in a pack that day, and raced greenly, which probably cost her a closer finish in what will turn out to be a very strong race. She has a nasty gate this time, but if she starts, she will still be the one to beat. FLASHBACK (2) won 3 trials on the bounce before running second on debut, and then finishing third here as the favourite a fortnight ago. He will be peaking at the right time, and with some luck from a wide gate, he can get the job done. WITHALLMYGRACE (7) settled too far back from a wide gate at Ruakaka last time out and only plugged home off a muddling pace. She is much better than that, and with a more positive ride early on, she can bounce straight back into the money. TOMAHAWK (3) will improve further once he gets out over more ground, and NIGHT WOLF (1) is a promising gelding, so include both in all top 4 combos.
