Need an insider tip? Keen to know how the track is shaping up?

Here's your preview to our upcoming raceday, complete with a track update and tips to help provide you all the info you need.

Track update

The track on Friday morning is rated a Good 4. There is some rain in the forecast today so we expect the track will be in the Good 4/Soft 5 range tomorrow morning. 

Hear what ATR track manager, Jason Fulford, has to say about the track conditions (as at Friday morning).

FEATURE RACE PREVIEWS 

Staphanos By Deep Impact Champagne Stakes | Race 4

One of the strongest renewals in recent years with 13 acceptors including last start Group 1 placed Waitak. While he is not drawn to advantage in barrier 12, he certainly brings a great deal of class highlighted by his excellent third in the Group 1 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes.  While he will be better at three, I expect him to be too classy tomorrow.  

The dangers include Mr Maestro and Boss Man  

Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes  | Race 6

Another good race with three or four chances.  Pinarello showed his class against the older horses with a dominant 4.5 length win the run prior to the Vodafone NZ Derby.  His run in the Derby was solid and while he has had an interrupted preparation, I expect him to be very hard to beat tomorrow.   

The dangers include Ruach, Achieve 

A slight knock on the favourite Hoard The Bourbon.  While I don’t doubt his potential, he has come through weaker form races and, in my opinion, is a false favourite.  

Manco Easter Handicap | Race 7

A somewhat traditional handicap with a full field and many chances.  While he is weighted up to his best, I have Brando narrowly on top in front of last start winner Carolina Reaper.  From barrier 3, Opie Bosson will give Brando the gun run and I expect him to be too strong.   

The dangers include Carolina Reaper and Samiam Seussie.

Racing information:

View the fields 

See the speed maps

Need a tip?  

CEO Paul Wilcox rates:

• Race 5 | 2.54pm | VRC Trophy 1400 | Apostrophe (#3) - Bet: FFW

• Race 6 | 3.30pm | Group 2 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes | Hoard the Bourbon (#3) | Bet: Win

• Race 7 | 4.10pm | Group 3 Manco Easter Handicap | Brando (#4) - Bet: Win

Sponsorship Manager Bill Heap rates:

• Race 2 | 1.03pm | Vertical Logistics 1200 | Letzbeglam (#8) | Bet: Win

• Race 3 | 1.39pm | MW Insurance 1200 |(#8) | Savonoski (#1) | Bet: Win

• Race 4 | 2.18pm | Listed Staphanos by Deep Impact Champagne Stakes | Waitak (#1) | Bet: Win

More good things to know:

Timings:

• Gates and hospitality open: 11:30am
• First race: 12:25pm
• Last race: 4:50pm

General Admission is FREE. 

Learn more about the day here.