1

Interpretation

Top Australian-trained stayer who finished 6th in the 2023 G1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). His two New Zealand runs have been fair with a 7th in the G3 Wellington Cup, followed by a 1.7L 6th to Blue Sky At Night in the G3 Avondale Cup (2400m) at this track where he struck interference in the straight.

2 

Sword in Stone

Former Hong Kong galloper now back in New Zealand. He finished 3rd in the 2020 Hong Kong Vase. Last start winner at Trentham (2200m) where he outstayed his rivals. First try over 3200m.

3 

Trust In You

Racing below his best. Last start 7.4L 14th to Blue Sky At Night, in the G3 Avondale Cup (2400m), here where he was never in it. Needs to improve.

4 

Son Of Sun

Lightly-raced galloper showing some talent. Plugged away for 3L 9th to Blue Sky At Night, in the G3 Avondale Cup (2400m), at Ellerslie at his last start. Place claims.

5 

Blue Sky At Night

Emerged as a leading chance for this when she swept home to win the G3 Avondale Cup (2400m) here at Ellerslie. Take beating on that run.

6

About Time

She put together three successive wins with her last one over 2200m here on 1 February. She then finished neck 2nd to Blue Sky At Night in the G3 Avondale Cup (2400m). Go close.

7 

Khan Hunter

Better run last start when he was at big odds with 1.4L 5th to Blue Sky At Night in the G3 Avondale Cup (2400m) at this track. It gives him some claims.

8 

Nest Egg

Looked the likely winner with 200m to go and held on for 2L 3rd to Wolfgang in the G3 Wellington Cup (3200m) where he demonstrated he can run the distance. One of the better chances.

9

Sailor Jack

Not disgraced at his last start when he finished 2L 7th to Blue Sky At Night in the G3 Avondale Cup (2400m) here. He should be ready to peak.

10 

Arby

He finished 2nd here three starts ago but since then he has finished 5.1L 6th in the G3 Wellington Cup and 12th in the G3 Avondale Cup. Needs to improve.

11 

Tajanis

Former English stayer who has found form in Australia with Chris Waller and he’s aiming for a hat-trick of wins. Last start 1st at Warwick Farm (2400m) on 27 January where he defeated Taramansour. That’s good form.

12 

Myla

She put together a hat-trick of wins over the summer period but then rose in grade and finished 3.7L 6th to What You Wish For over 2000m at Matamata. This is harder.

13 

Final Return

Racing consistently with three placings and a fourth from his last four starts. Last start led and fought on for 0.7L 3rd to Blue Sky At Night in the G3 Avondale Cup (2400m).

14 

I’m A Dirty Rascal

Much travelled son of Galileo struggling to find his best form. Needs to lift on his New Zealand debut where he finished 7th in an eight-horse field, over 2200m, on 1 February at this track.

15 

Let Fly

Forgive her last start as she was trapped wide and was also checked when 3.7L 11th to Blue Sky At Night in the G3 Avondale Cup (2400m) here. Could surprise.

16  

Trav

Made up ground when he finished 2.5L 4th to Wolfgang in the G3 Wellington Cup (3200m) where he gave away a big start. One for the multiples.

17

Aftermath

Put together wins at Tauranga and Te Rapa before 3.1L 10th in the G3 Avondale Cup (2400m) here. Needs to improve to be competitive against the more fancied runners.

18  

Lostcause

Not disgraced when last start 2.7L 8th to Blue Sky At Night in the G3 Avondale Cup as stewards reported he raced in restricted room at the 2200m and then was held up with 200m to go. Place.

Reserves

19 

Northern Raider

Scratched

20

All Shook Up

Only win was in a maiden at his second start in 2023. Last start 5th at Matamata (2000m) in a restricted BM65. Find this way too tough.