Champions Day is almost here and I cannot wait.
The four feature races have attracted nice fields that should make for competitive and exciting racing.
Here is my take on how those races could unfold.
Open 1200m sprint, 1.52pm
I thought The Precious One's huge effort in last weekend's Timaru Stakes would have her winning this.
She certainly got a good look at the outside running rail, stuck three and four wide for the entire race. The 4yr-old was very game in running on for fifth, beaten only 2½ lengths.
The only slight concern is her quick drop in trip, down to 1200m.
Signify is all class and showed that with his dead-heat for third in the Telegraph.
He is very game, likes Wingatui and will give his backers a great sight.
Prince Oz was a flop in the Telegraph, but he was never going to get back into it after getting so far back.
The long Wingatui straight should really help him.
Darci Mac and Raise You Ten head the rest of what is a nice sprint field.
Dunedin Guineas, 2.27pm
Gee, this is a tricky affair.
The slow track the Gore Guineas was run on makes the form hard to assess.
Air Max was mightily impressive at Gore and there were queries on whether he would handle the track.
On the strength of that, the Lance Robinson-trained gelding is a logical top choice.
Weaponry did not get much room in the straight at Gore and his run was also very good.
Fox In Socks got too far back at Gore, but ran on strongly and should be competitive tomorrow.
Khimar War was a non-player when failing to handle the Gore track. He is a serious player if the Dunedin track remains rated as dead.
Superstatic was to be my roughie in the race, but has already come in from $12 to just $9 with the bookmakers.
His stablemate, Fire Show, is another of the many winning chances.
Dunedin Gold Cup, 3.39pm
The stars looked to have aligned for Aboli to step up to the big time.
He has looked classy in his three starts over ground and appears to be peaking perfectly for this race.
The way the horse has learned to settle after pulling in his first start over 2000m has been impressive. It certainly helps his chances of seeing out 2400m
Sulcifera is a logical selection given her strong performance in the Wellington Cup.
To me these two look a step above the other contenders, who are
headed by Shesatoucha and Pami. Both are in good form.
Ablaze will relish the race's 2400m trip, so is one not to leave out.
White Robe Lodge WFA, 4.49pm
There looks to be a good sense of timing about how Boots `N' All enters the lower South Island's best race.
His last-start win in the Timaru Cup was explosive and he beat several of the opponents he meets tomorrow.
He is the horse to beat. I was surprised he opened at such a healthy odd when he was made a $4 favourite by bookmakers on market opening.
Tommy Tucker's form might say no, but his recent work says yes.
Though he has had a much different preparation this year, his trainers say he is ready to run a big race.
Their judgement is good enough for me.
I think the race was setting up perfectly for Gallant Boy until he drew barrier 14.
He produced a massive performance to run second last year and looks set to do plenty of work again this year.
The same applies to Kolonel Kev who has drawn barrier 12. He was very good at Trentham last weekend and will be hard to peat if he gets a reasonable run.
If you can, get out to Wingatui and enjoy Otago's biggest race day. Those are four cracking features and there is some good racing on the undercard to enjoy as well.
Happy trails.
