Ellerslie Racecourse

POETIC CHAMPION last start winner at Ellerslie when fresh and drawn the rails, has solid claims. ARDALIO won or placed in two races to start career and rates highly with Michael Mc Nab retaining the ride, don't treat lightly. MOVE TO STRIKE first-up after 20 week break and winner when on debut at Te Rapa, cannot be ruled out. HANKEE ALPHA strong finishing effort to win last start at Te Aroha and unbeaten in both runs, could threaten.

Will be a close run race between the top picks. FROSTFAIR looking to make it four in a row after another win at Ellerslie last start and rates highly with Warren Kennedy retaining the ride, a close top selection. ORCHESTRAL a track specialist winning three times at Ellerslie and four of six wins have come from dry ground, must be considered. BOURBON EMPRESS 4 wins from 10 attempts this campaign and last start winner at Ellerslie, cannot be ruled out. WITZ END 4 wins from 11 attempts this campaign and two from four wins have been in the dry, in with a chance.

Can't split the top three selections. ACQUARELLO won last start at Ellerslie and in strong form with four wins from 11 attempts this campaign, among the main chances. JAARFFI just missed at long odds last start at Ellerslie and in strong form with three wins from 12 attempts this campaign, must be considered. MOVING MELODY won last start at Ellerslie and two wins from six attempts this campaign, in the mix. TOWN CRYER narrowly beaten at long odds last start at Trentham and down in distance, place best.