Racing writer Jonny Turner takes a look at the three feature races on Champions Day at Wingatui tomorrow.
Dunedin Guineas (listed)
1.52pm tomorrow
Bronte Beach was brilliant in the Gore Guineas after missing the start and making up a huge slice of ground to run third.
She was kept in tight quarters down the straight, which meant she possibly had even more to offer.
Bookmakers put up $4 on market opening and that looked generous considering she does not have to clash with the two horses who beat her home at Gore.
Tears Of An Angel was very solid when finishing closely behind Bronte Beach.
She is clearly a threat along with the next placegetter, Sanctify, who should relish stepping up to 1500m.
I put Charlie Awesome in following his solid sixth at Gore ahead of Feel The Rush.
Feel The Rush is undoubtedly the most curious runner for me.
Stepping back from 2200m to 1500m looks an incredibly tough task for the filly.
But who would doubt the red-hot Tyler stable right now?
Selections: Bronte Beach (7), Tears Of An Angel (10), Sanctify (12), Charlie Awesome (1).
Dunedin Gold Cup (listed)
3.04pm tomorrow
I like where Riviera Rock, Sitarist and Diorissimo are placed at the weights in this race.
Riviera Rock showed during New Zealand Cup week if he is given a trip longer than 2200m he will relish it and I expect him to do exactly that tomorrow.
Sitarist has been excellent all spring and summer since getting to 2000m and I expect her to also thrive at 2500m.
She is not effective on tracks worse than dead, but I expect her to get conditions to suit tomorrow.
Diorissimo has to go in despite her very ordinary Wellington Cup effort.
She was fourth in the New Zealand Cup and carries the same weight (54.5kg) as Riviera Rock and Sitarist.
I put Zedaam in next, ahead of Kilowatt.
The topweight is certainly talented enough, but he gives all but one of the field weight advantage of at least 4.5kg
Selections: Riviera Rock (6), Sitarist (4), Diorissimo (3), Zedaam (6).
White Robe Lodge (g3)
4.14pm tomorrow
This race sets up perfectly for 1600m specialist Who Dares Wins.
He made the most of his most recent opportunity under weight-for-age conditions in the Canterbury Gold Cup and he should go close again tomorrow.
The horse seems to have a real affinity with Samantha Wynne, which only boosts his winning claims.
Gallant Boy must go in, given his class and because he is also suited to weight-for-age.
His last two runs in this race — winning and running third — have been huge.
Southerner Tobilicious produced a win that had to be seen to be believed at Wingatui last month.
Its a massive ask for the horse to win an open group 3 race in his first attempt in open company, but he appears to have the kind of class needed to be competitive.
I am more concerned about the horse stepping on to an improved track than I am about him measuring up.
The class of this event should not worry Belle Fascino, who has raced in good company throughout the spring and summer.
Her Timaru Stakes run was sound, though she looked to have her chance to win.
Selections: Who Dares Wins (1), Gallant Boy (2) Tobilicious (7), Belle Fascino (8).
