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Race 1

4 Foreigner: Did it tough at Rangiora last week, but didn’t shirk the challenge. Big trial win on the course recently and if he can find the markers, he’s going to be very hard to beat.

14 Maria Tsarina: First starter with plenty of breeding and ability judging by the qualifying effort. Should be able to give this a big shake on debut.

7 Some Time: Lynn and Justin Smith’s team is humming along nicely and you know you’re going to get a good chance when they line anything up. This one has always been capable.

12 Rites Of Zhou: Probably thought a maiden win would have come by now, but good things come to those who wait and this campaign should bring forward that success.

Selections: 4-14-7-12

Race 2

3 Kotare Yolande: Has looked every bit a good horse in workouts and trials and last two have been very impressive. Will win plenty of races and should start the sequence today.

12 Agent West: Dug in really nice on debut at Rangiora last week. Big roomy Ashburton should play right into his hands too. Should be in the fight when things get serious.

6 Tabitha Franco: Potent mare when saved up for one run at them and in a fresh state you’d imagine that will be the approach. Look for her late.

5 Shamrock Bromac: All runs back from a spell have been nice and while a couple of nice ones on top, this is pretty open outside of them. Can be a player.

Selections: 3-12-6-5

Race 3

8 Darryl Kerrigan: Last chance street for Darryl. Has been so good in trials and workouts including one recently here that if he steps and goes forward they might not catch him. Risky, but will win a maiden at short notice.

6 Art Collector: Goes well here and although now a long-time maiden, there haven’t been any bad performances in the mix so shouldn’t be too far away today.

5 To Ri Caitlin: Turning in honest shifts since resuming from a spell and display good manners. Will land on the speed and give them plenty to think about today.

10 Woodlea Explorer: Impressive qualifier who is having first start today. Will be well school and ready to give this a shake.

Selections: 8-6-5-10

Race 4

15 The Rev: Won’t get a better opportunity to get things back on track with a big performance here. Big field, but wide open and his best would very easily win it.

8 Motu Great Sensation: No flaws in her, she just trots away and puts herself in all the right places. Handy enough to speed today and she’s a major player.

12 Rachmaninov: This is the kind of race he could bully into submission. Dour trotter who won’t mind having to work around them and do it hard.

14 Such Fun: The money keeps getting piled on, but no luck is coming at the start of races for punters. Something there to work with clearly so don’t drop just yet.

Selections: 15-8-12-14

Race 5

11 Chiller Bay: There was a little bit of arrogance in the debut victory at Motukarara last time out. Very impressive. Still has a lot to learn but headed in the right direction for sure.

1 Twilight Saga: Been very good in all career starts including a placing here on debut. Manners seem good so the one draw shouldn’t pose too many problems.

12 Rock On: Keeps turning in honest efforts and today’s assignment does look within reach, particularly if the faves have some bad luck. Won’t be far away from them.

13 Bound To Impress: Tried to lead them up last time, but maybe not the right move. Better when swooping off a hot speed and can do that here.

Selections :11-1-12-13

Race 6

5 Alta Maestro: Will have been set for this and recent racing has him humming along at near perfection for it. Quick beginning and on the speed and he’s very hard to beat.

6 Sheriff: Last season’s Derby winner who will be out to try and recapture his best form. Dangerous is he’s found it. In fact, they might not see which way he goes if he has.

4 Funatthebeach: All Stars runner so automatically in calculations. Got too far back last week in fast run last half but should be handier to the speed here.

3 Mikey Maguire: Loving every challenge thrown his way at the moment and growing in confidence and stature. Another big run on the cards here today too.

Selections: 5-6-4-3

Race 7

2 Aladdin Sane: Taking to the racing game like a duck to water and only collared very last last time out. Big chance to trot to the front and run them off their feet again.

4 Missie Castleton: Might be the smokey of today’s field. Lovely workout here a fortnight ago where she burst over the top of them last to win impressively. Dangerous with a quiet run.

11 Jaw D Nancy: All the ability in the world, but a few tricks too. Workouts and trials for new trainer have been very good. Won’t be far away today.

9 Astound: Taking each step as it comes and getting better and better. Won maiden very impressively here and could win today with any luck.

Selections: 2-4-11-9

Race 8

9 Tact Maggie: Just couldn’t quite wind up last week at Addington from the one one, might go on a searching mission here from the draw and try and run them into the dirt.

8 Queen Bee Bardon: Dour mare who like the one above her won’t mind a really strongly run mile. Placed in the Jewels here over this distance and has class edge on most.

10 Just Dance: Grown a leg in the last few months and low-flying at the moment. Tricky spot, but will be running on strongly at the end of things.

7 Samskara: Will improve with the run but made some big strides last season. Good race to kick off in and can swoop on them late.

Selections: 9-8-10-7

Race 9

10 Ready To Bloom: Doesn’t mind a trip along on the marker pegs here at Ashburton and should get one of those today. Dangerous at them late if the gaps open up for her.

3 Good On Ya Kiwi: Lovely start to the racing career with a win and a third. Progressive type who can be followed with confidence throughout the summer months and epecially here.

1 The Tin Soldier: Ranged up to win at Rangiora but the condition told. Better suited here from the ace and can give them plenty of cheek.

8 Franco Texas: Could turn the race upside down if he launches from the outside gate. Has the speed to do it. Won’t mind bowling them along in front either.

Selections: 10-3-1-8

Race 10

15 Scarlett Banner: Confidence boosting run last time out when second and should enjoy the open spaces of Ashburton. Dangerous if saved for the one run at them.

14 Splash Cola: Has been racing in fields far stronger than this and as long as the manners come along with him he should be able to give this field a major fright.

11 Globe Trekker: Living up to all the early talk and developing into a lovely trotter. In good nick and will enjoy today’s assignment.

9 One Apollo: Made a big impression last season but will get better with racing, just needs time. Lofty targets ahead but can be a player today.

Race 11

9 Pembrook Legacy: Goes best when saved for one run at them and the long Ashburton straight is the perfect opportunity to do that. Will roar at them late, it’s just how far back you are when you turn for home.

5 One Direction: Going great guns at the moment and has the tactical speed to try and get across them if they choose too. Should be filling a top four spot.

4 Doitson: Led them home at Rangiora and was only nabbed late. Will likely try the same here which makes him a huge each way option in the race.

7 Change The Print: Goes better than a casual look at the formline might suggest and with any luck today, perhaps a cagey Blair Orange special, and he’s right in the middle of it all.

Selections: 9-5-4-7

BEST: 3 Kotare Yolande (Race 2)

NEXT: 5 Alta Maestro (Race 6)

VALUE: 8 Darryl Kerrigan (Race 3)