Aronsay was late working clear when runner-up to Soph in the race 12 months ago. He is on target for tomorrow after a win over 2200m at Oamaru eight days ago.
Lisa Whelan has retained the mount.
Apprentice Toni Direen will renew her association with Royal Flight in the open 1400m, claiming 3kg for the top weight (59kg).
Direen, who is apprenticed to Brian and Shane Anderton, the trainers of Royal Flight, has ridden the mare once in a race for a win at Riverton in April.
Royal Flight has not raced since she ran third to Art Beat and Bavarian in the Tauranga Classic at Tauranga on June 25. She missed the Whyte Handicap at Trentham due to a foot ailment.
Royal Flight ran fourth at Oamaru 12 months ago. She has won twice on the track, both times over 1400m, the distance tomorrow.
• Additional information for the meetings today:
Taumarunui RC
Scratchings:
Race 2: Kati Cat.
Race 6: Burger.
Race 9: Simpre Arriba.
Weather, overcast; track, heavy (10); rail out 7m.
Levin RC
Scratching:
Race 10: Dan Dinero.
Weather, cloudy, track, heavy (10); rail, true.
• Mackenzie Jacob, who qualified at Oamaru on Wednesday in 3.06.9 for 2400m, is a pacer, not a trotter.
