The 10-race card features a mixture of horses showing local form, others coming off cup week runs and several first starters. That will require some careful pre-race analysis in most races.
Punters' jobs look to be made a little easier in races 1 and 6 tomorrow, though. Itemize and Brunello look to be two of the day's standout prospects.
Brunello impressed trainer Steven Prince with his last-start second on Melbourne Cup day at Wingatui, after a solid debut fourth.
''He just did a couple of wee things wrong. He's still a wee bit green but he will learn a wee bit from Melbourne Cup day. He'll be a chance tomorrow.''
The 4yr-old has also impressed jockey Chris Johnson, who has ridden him in his two race-day outings.
''Chris Johnson got off him the other day and said once he learns what the game's about he is going to go places.''
Prince agreed with Johnson's assessment.
''He's above average, put it that way.''
Prince and Johnson also combine with first starter Aulini in race 7.
The Pins 3yr-old brings good jumpout experience to her first race start, including a last start jumpout win at Wingatui in November.
''She's had three of them. She had a jumpout as a 2yr-old and then went shin sore so we put her aside.
''She had a jumpout in September and she ran second, then she was good [at Wingatui].''
That experience and Aulini's manners should translate into the filly taking up a prominent position in her 1100m event.
''She's a professional wee thing, barrier 1 wouldn't worry her. She does everything right.''
Prince rates the Pins filly a decent chance of staying in that handy position as the race finish is fought out.
''She'll be right there I think.''
''She will jump and put herself there and Johnson is going to help her as well.''
Johnson has a full book of rides on today's card including Hot Date which looks to be a strong chance. The Kevin and Pam Hughes-trained mare comes off a fourth on the last day of the New Zealand Cup carnival.
Itemize is another maiden who looks a solid prospect in the first race today.
The Gallant Guru 4yr-old is building towards a win, having not finished further back than fourth in six runs this season. The Brian and Shane Anderton-trained gelding hit the line with purpose in his first run beyond 1600m when second over 2030m at Cromwell 10 days ago. Today's further step up to the 2200m distance looks ideal.
The White Robe Lodge trainers also line up Gallant Defender for the first time since March.
The 5yr-old has an impressive course record of five starts for three wins and one placing at Wingatui.
-By Jonny Turner
