Progressive type All Black Magic looks the leading chance of three Riverton-trained horses who will take on two rivals from further north in a rating 80 race over 1500m.
The Amanda Schwarz-trained gelding comes into the race following a tough effort for fourth at Wingatui on Boxing Day when he landed on the speed.
Schwarz hopes All Black Magic can take a sit for rider Chris Johnson. However, that may not transpire as there looks to be a lack of pace in the race.
''We have been looking at the field and don't know who is going to take the front,'' Schwarz said.
''Hopefully, someone makes the pace and we can just sit in behind, but if not we will leave it up to Chris to make the decision.''
Schwarz said All Black Magic was in great order.
Riverton trainer Kelvin Tyler is hoping Hayley Maree gets back to her best form.
''She's in foal to Highly Recommended so hopefully that might work the oracle with her. She hasn't been letting down in her last few starts,'' he said.
Hayley Maree is likely to back upin the group 3 White Robe Lodge weight-for-age in nine days' time.
Tyler also has last-start runner-up The Czar in race 1, the day's feature.
He has a 9kg weight advantage over Hayley Maree.
''The Czar is probably the better chance at the weights. He's really improved,'' Tyler said.
Local hopes are held by the Brian and Shane Anderton-trained Fascinate. The horse was unlucky when getting held up in her last run at Wingatui on Boxing Day.
The stage is set for several consistent performers to gain deserved wins.
The Terry Kennedy-trained Aboli has done well in running second in her last two starts. The 4yr-old worked home stylishly from well off the pace at Timaru behind the winner, Red River Rock, on December 28.
Aboli faces an even line-up of maidens in race 7, and will also be ridden by Johnson.
Meru, trained by Claire Anderton, also looks close to winning form on the back of his effort for second behind tearaway Boxing Day winner Plutonium.
Like Aboli, Meru is raced by Parr Bloodstock, and he steps out in race 8. The 4yr-old was one of a only a few horses able to make up ground after Plutonium strode away to a big lead.
Meru jumps from the handy No5 barrier and will have jockey Jacob Lowry back on today.
Another consistent performer, The Style, looks to be Meru's main danger, as well as comeback galloper Tony Two Chips. The Brian and Shane Anderton-trained 6yr-old resumed with a handy third in his first start for more than 18 months at Omakau earlier this month.
